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 Head of Youth, 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 youngster 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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Contact us

If you have an immediate concern about a child's welfare, please contact your local council's social care department, who are available 24 hours a day. For all other enquiries related to our work, contact [email protected] or call 020 7607 2136.
About us

ECPAT UK is a leading children's rights organisation working to protect children from child trafficking and transnational child exploitation. We support children everywhere to uphold their rights and to live a life free from abuse and exploitation.