Lived Experience Activism
We know that there can be no sustainable change to UK policy and legislation without the meaningful involvement of survivors.
We want to ensure those with lived experience of trafficking and modern slavery are central to our approach.
To us, this means co-creating a space that is inclusive for all those who have experienced trafficking and slavery, regardless of the type of exploitation, individual background, nationality, ability, level of education or literacy.
We seek to redress power imbalances that are perpetuated post exploitation, through direct support, improved services and the legal system.
ATLEU Changemakers
ATLEU Changemakers is our core Lived Experience Group whose members are our current and previous clients. Together we develop campaigns, shape projects and share our priorities with the wider team. We are continually building and growing.
Our Programme
Provides different levels of involvement, from social activities, to joining an advisory group, to more specialist consultancy for those able to take this on
Creates employment pathways into the advice sector specifically for survivors.
Adapts to the needs of each individual
Supports members to gain transferable skills and engage in activities that meet their individual as well as joint goals and interests.
Ultimately, we want to move towards shared leadership where ATLEU’s strategic priorities are set in collaboration with members.
Current Projects
Untapping a Power: Why employing survivors matters
Our latest survivor-led research reveals that people with lived experience of trafficking, modern slavery and migration are underrepresented in the sector. They face barriers such as being denied the right to work and lengthy delays in the trafficking, immigration and asylum systems.
Rise and Lead Fellowship
In response to this research, we are running a 12-month training fellowship to create an employment pathway into the anti-trafficking advice sector for people with lived experience of human trafficking/modern slavery and migration. We are running the fellowship with Southeast and East Asian Centre and Voice of Domestic Workers.
Past Achievements
Our Changemakers at Parliament
In July, our Changemakers spoke at a House of Lords event sharing their experiences and demanding change for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery.
ATLEU 10 year anniversary event
At our anniversary event in March 2024, two of our members gave speeches outlining their priorities for the reform of current trafficking and asylum systems. These were around the challenges of waiting indefinitely for an outcome on their case while living in poverty and barred from work, as well as the impact of family separation during this time on the individual in the UK, their children and the wider community in their home country.
Lived Experience Coalition
A forum to bring together all those who are involved in co-production of lived experience spaces across the anti-trafficking sector.
We share learning, good practice and opportunities for joint working. Members include individual survivor activists, survivor-led organisations, Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract Sub-contractors, employability, advice and counselling services, researchers and the police.