Restore is opening a home that will offer accommodation for female survivors of human trafficking for up to 12 months. It is based in Exeter, Devon and will soon have 4 spaces for survivors from around the country who would like a to rebuild their lives in a new and supportive environment.

Through creating a strong network of support, friendship and care, the women’s isolation will be reduced, allowing them time and space to begin to rebuild their lives. Survivors will have opportunities to join in one-to-one and group support session to develop in the areas they have identified as important to them. They can also access counselling and holistic therapy.

Our aim is that over the 12 months, women we support will experience improved mental health and a happier outlook on their future. That they also feel able to access education, employment / volunteering, leisure activities, as well as improved relationships and becoming part of their community.

Restore is a Christian project that started 3 years ago with the aim of 'rebuilding the life intended'. It is based in Exeter and has supported 3 survivors so far.

The Home Office estimates that there are 13,000 victims at any one time in the UK. Last year 3,266 potential victim were identified and rescued or managed to escape. 38 of these were from the South West.

A survivor of human trafficking is left extremely vulnerable after their experiences. Many want to remain in the UK because they are scared they would be hunted down by their traffickers if they returned to their home countries. However often they are unable to speak English, troubled with mental health, have limited life-skills and limited financial support. As a result, research shows that some end up homeless and that that up to 50% of people get re-trafficked in the first two years (IOM, 2011).