Modern slavery affects millions of people all over the world. In fact, there are more slaves in the world today than at any other point in history; an estimated 40 million men, women and children.

Migrant Help is one of the leading providers of specialist support and accommodation services for adult victims of modern slavery in the UK. The charity is a designated first responder, meaning Migrant Help can refer potential victims of modern slavery to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for support.

Building on this important work, Migrant Help also recently successfully rolled out the 12-week ‘Star’ programme created by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which prepares victims for the world of work through life, digital and employment skills.

Migrant Help has dedicated casework teams assisting victims all over the country, including in Northern Ireland.

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Northern Ireland

For years Migrant Help’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking team in Northern Ireland (MSHT NI) have been at the forefront of the issue, committed to helping victims feel safe, informed, supported and able to gain control over their lives again.

The charity’s approach centres on each client's individual needs. A support plan is developed which provides all-round care with the aim of empowering clients as they recover from the trauma they have endured. Ultimately, the main priorities are reducing the risk of re-trafficking and helping clients gain confidence and move forward to a new and positive chapter in their lives.

Indeed, one recent story illustrates the commitment of the Northern Ireland team and the incredible impact they are having on the lives of individuals and the broader community.

Initial Contact

Over the past two years, Migrant Help has supported a young man seeking asylum in Northern Ireland after fleeing his home country in Africa due to ethnic persecution and ongoing political instability. Orphaned at a very young age, this client became street homeless in a neighbouring country. He was approached by an individual offering shelter and employment, but what was presented as an opportunity for safety and stability quickly turned into a harrowing experience of modern slavery.

He was transported to an unknown rural location, where he was held against his will, locked in a farm building, and forced to work in agriculture under the threat of violence, including being held at gunpoint. After enduring prolonged abuse and forced labour, he managed to escape by taking advantage of an unlocked door late at night and travelled hundreds of miles on foot in search of freedom.

Eventually, he found himself in Northern Ireland where he claimed asylum and disclosed his trafficking experience, leading to a referral into the NRM after which he began receiving support from the MSHT NI team.

Rebuilding Lives 

At the point of referral, his physical and emotional wellbeing were of immediate concern. He showed clear signs of trauma and required urgent mental health intervention. With Migrant Help support, he registered with a GP and was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Alongside mental health support, he received practical and emotional assistance to begin rebuilding his life. His level of engagement with Migrant Help’s service increased steadily, and his progress was remarkable. He enrolled in college and began ESOL classes, later successfully completing the Star programme. One of his greatest aspirations was to access the education he had been denied as a child due to his circumstances, and he pursued this goal with dedication.

Following the positive outcome of his asylum claim and the grant of Refugee Status, he demonstrated exceptional independence. Within just two weeks, he secured private rental accommodation and full-time employment. His commitment to self-development continued, as he enrolled in further English and video editing courses and independently funded a nationally recognised interpreting qualification. He is now a certified interpreter and actively supports ethnic minority communities in Northern Ireland, using both his professional skills and lived experience to empower others.

His journey is a profound example of resilience and transformation, and a testament to what can be achieved with the right support, determination, and opportunity.