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

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ECPAT UK’s youth advisory group is made up of former members of our youth programme for victims of child trafficking, as well as current long-term members who are interested in steering the organisation’s campaigns and strategy.
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ECPAT UK relies on committed volunteers to support the work that we do. Without their help, we would not be able to campaign as effectively against child exploitation.
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ECPAT UK's team has more than 30 years' experience working on issues of child trafficking, child protection, child sexual exploitation, unaccompanied children, modern slavery and more.
ECPAT UK training

ECPAT UK offers a comprehensive training programme, in line with National Occupational Standards, delivering courses for more than 20 years to help improve responses to child trafficking, modern slavery and exploitation.