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Note from the CEO
The past 16 months have and continue to be an expedition into the unknown. The team have been adapting to the changing landscape to ensure that those we work with feel connected during these times, along with embracing opportunities to grow and develop what we can offer those rebuilding their lives after slavery. We are excited that the restrictions are continuing to ease and we are able to plan to get our face to face groups going again, and even possibly some summer trips!
The past 16 months have and continue to be an expedition into the unknown. The team have been adapting to the changing landscape to ensure that those we work with feel connected during these times, along with embracing opportunities to grow and develop what we can offer those rebuilding their lives after slavery. We are excited that the restrictions are continuing to ease and we are able to plan to get our face to face groups going again, and even possibly some summer trips!
This month the government have been consulting on the new proposed immigration plan. We want to highlight this policy as we believe the new plan as it is, will negatively impact many of for those we currently work with, and also those victims yet to be identified.
As an organisation we welcome a review of the immigration system; it is a system which we believe is unfair, unjust and often detrimental to those seeking asylum who have experienced Modern Slavery here in the UK and abroad.
We also welcome opportunities to prevent, safeguard and improve victim care for those who have experienced Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery - unfortunately we do not believe the new plan will do this. Instead, it risks negatively impacting victim identification and increasing the risk of re-exploitation. There are a number of anti-trafficking organisations who have published their responses and articulate these better than I could here, so have a look at the antislavery.org response or the ecpat.org.uk response to find out more.
As an organisation we have submitted our response to the consultation which has now closed, but we recognise that there will be more opportunities in the weeks ahead to use our voices to speak out for those who have not been invited to share theirs, and we would ask that you join us in watching out for those opportunities. ~ Lesley
As an organisation we welcome a review of the immigration system; it is a system which we believe is unfair, unjust and often detrimental to those seeking asylum who have experienced Modern Slavery here in the UK and abroad.
We also welcome opportunities to prevent, safeguard and improve victim care for those who have experienced Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery - unfortunately we do not believe the new plan will do this. Instead, it risks negatively impacting victim identification and increasing the risk of re-exploitation. There are a number of anti-trafficking organisations who have published their responses and articulate these better than I could here, so have a look at the antislavery.org response or the ecpat.org.uk response to find out more.
As an organisation we have submitted our response to the consultation which has now closed, but we recognise that there will be more opportunities in the weeks ahead to use our voices to speak out for those who have not been invited to share theirs, and we would ask that you join us in watching out for those opportunities. ~ Lesley
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The 5 Ways of Wellbeing
In April, we finished our 5 ways of wellbeing programme, each of the 5 weeks was focussed on a different way of wellbeing: learning a new skill, taking notice, being active, giving (their time or a smile), and connecting. The team shared daily positive quotes, recipes and wellbeing tips, along with weekly telephone calls focussed on aspects of wellbeing. We encouraged individuals to set wellbeing targets and work towards them. Through community donations we were able to send fun packed hampers for the families to enjoy.
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“I have never felt so good... before I felt quite tired and didn't want to do anything, but you made me feel motivated and want to do things and try things." Individuals reported that they felt a positive difference from focussing on their wellbeing, and going forward will incorporate into their daily lives some of the small and simple tips and suggestions that had been shared during the 5 weeks.
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Ramadan
The Muslim month of Ramadan started in mid-April. Muslims around the world observed fasting from the hours of sunrise until sunset. Eid Ul Fitr marked the end of Ramadan which is a celebration where families and friends come together to celebrate and indulge in delicious food and drink. Ramadan and Eid have not been the same during the global pandemic, as traditionally this is a time of giving and being together with the community, with friends and family. Usually neighbours, friends and relatives would invite each other to open their fasts together and prepare a feast of a meal. However, many have adapted in creative ways to still enjoy the celebrations, such as delivering food and parcels and organising Zoom meetings.
For those we support who observed Ramadan, this could have been a lonely time without friends or family nearby to celebrate with, and so we wanted to ensure they knew they were not alone, and the team tried to find ways to celebrate with them.
For those we support who observed Ramadan, this could have been a lonely time without friends or family nearby to celebrate with, and so we wanted to ensure they knew they were not alone, and the team tried to find ways to celebrate with them.
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Rebuild East Midlands is a registered charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) 1182059 in England.