"It gives me immense joy to see the service users having fun" Carlotta's story Hello, I am Carlotta, and I am the Phoenix Project Coordinator. Before stepping up to this role, I was an Outreach advocate at the Modern Slavery Response Team. I had just completed my Master’s in Human Rights and I was ready for a new challenge. At the beginning I only had a basic knowledge on Modern Slavery and Trafficking, however I was very curious about this role and the learning experience it could offer. The phoenix project is part of the modern slavery team, so we support Survivors during their recovery journey. My new role specifically revolves around event and activities organisation. All events are aimed at our service users to get to know each other, discover new skills and have fun. I am also responsible for the volunteers that support the Phoenix Project. A day in this role could be quite hectic. The first thing I do in the morning is to check my emails and divide my workload making sure I prioritise important events and deadlines. I would generally work on events which means setting dates/times, finding locations, prepare ads for the team and complete risk assessments. I would follow by checking in with volunteers and conduct interviews for our volunteer befrienders roles. When I don’t have pressuring deadlines, I generally look on new ideas for workshops, classes and events that could be useful for our service users. I generally do this with the help of my manager and our caseworkers. I also regularly keep on top of our budget for events and materials. Working with numbers isn’t probably the highlight of my day, but it is necessary to keep running our services smoothly. The part I love the most about my role is when the events are finalised, and our service users can finally enjoy them. It gives me immense joy to see the service users having fun, as it is not always easy for them to go back into social environments and feel confident about themselves. What is even nicer is when the clients actually come to multiple events as it shows we are really doing something good and useful for their wellbeing, while creating a sense of community that sometimes lacks in a big city like London. It is an incredibly rewarding role. I am really passionate about Human Rights and I am glad to be able to support our service users however I can. Modern Slavery support in London and the south east Safe houses and advocacy Hestia’s modern slavery service started in 2011 and we have supported more than 5,000 victims since then. We provide six safe houses in London and Kent, as well as a pan-London outreach service working in every London borough. In 2021 we supported over 2,600 adults and dependent children affected by modern slavery. We work closely with The Salvation Army to deliver support to victims who have been referred into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). The NRM is a national framework that ensures victims of modern slavery are identified and receive appropriate support. "The Government cannot tackle this problem alone which is why the work of organisations such as Hestia is vital. We are very grateful for your commitment and dedication to those who have been exploited." - Former Prime Minister Theresa May Phoenix Project Hestia's Phoenix Project provides volunteer-led long-term support to victims of modern slavery, in partnership with the British Red Cross. Read more about the Phoenix Project Underground Lives Hestia campaigns and advocates for victims of modern slavery nationally, ensuring their voices and experiences are heard. Our Underground Lives report series highlights the impact on specific groups of modern slavery victims, such as pregnant women and those who are homeless. Read our latest Underground Lives reports Modern Slavery Training Hestia provides accredited training on modern slavery packages to professionals across the UK, helping them to identify when someone they support might be a victim of modern slavery. Find out more about our modern slavery training Art Is Freedom Art Is Freedom is Hestia's annual art and photography exhibition, curated by survivors of modern slavery, to mark Anti-Slavery Day on 18 October. Find out more about Art Is Freedom Get support If you suspect someone might be a victim of modern slavery, please call The Salvation Army's confidential Referral Helpline on 0800 808 3733. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone who feels they might be a victim of modern slavery and in need of assistance, or if you encounter someone you suspect may be a victim of modern slavery. Contact To learn more about our service, please contact [email protected] Donate to Hestia's Modern Slavery support service To help us support more victims of modern slavery to rebuild their life, please give as much as you can in the box below. Please select a donation amount (required) £5 £10 £20 Other Set up a regular payment Donate Hestia's Modern Slavery Statement As the leading provider of support for victims of modern slavery in London and the South East, Hestia is committed to playing a significant role in preventing modern slavery in all its forms. Our modern slavery statement enables us to be a be a part of a wider movement of change. Patrick Ryan, CEO of Hestia, said: “Hestia is committed to ensuring all survivors of modern slavery receive the support they need to recover and rebuild their lives. Modern slavery is rife. Hestia supports the Government’s objectives to eradicate modern slavery and we will do everything we can to eradicate moderns slavery from our supply chains.” Read Hestia's Modern Slavery Statement Manage Cookie Preferences