What we do Supporting young people Trafficked girls and young women's group The award-winning ECPAT UK Trafficked girls and young women's group was the first-ever peer support group for trafficked young people in the UK. It provides a safe space where young people who have been through emotional trauma can socialise and get involved in projects, such as drama and arts, as a way for them to recover from their experiences. ECPAT UK you programme founder, Debbie Beadle, said: "Some are very nervous when they first join the group. They can have quite severe mood swings and get very angry. Some suffer from post-traumatic stress and are very fearful. I remember one young person who wouldn’t make eye contact. The group offers them a safe environment to express their feelings. Even within weeks, they start being more engaged. There is always a lot of laughter, which is important." The youth group provides support in the following ways: Weekly peer support groups Life skills programme Creative projects Educational mentoring with The Refugee Support Network ESOL support classes Support in accessing compensation Social activities Residentials Individual support plan and signposting for further support Travel expenses and food are provided for each session. If you would like to refer a young person who may be a victim of trafficking, please note the following criteria: Aged 15-23 Practitioner has concerns about trafficking Download our youth programme leaflet for more information To refer a young person, contact [email protected] or call 020 7607 2136