Do you have a spare room? Your spare room. Their safe space.
Modern slavery is a huge issue in the UK with over 17,000 people coming out of slavery last year, and that is the tip of the iceberg. Many of these people are also asylum seekers or refugees and end up on the streets surviving homelessness as well as trying to deal with the trauma of surviving exploitation.
We train and support hosts across the UK who have a spare bedroom and the goodwill to welcome a survivor into their homes for a fixed period of time. Our hosts are couples, families with children and single people who care about the marginalised in society and want to see individuals find freedom.
We urgently need hosts in Bristol!
Would you or someone you know be able to help someone like Aamal?
Aamaal was living in her “friend’s” private accommodation that was unsuitable and unsafe. She needed to be in another area of the country so that she could keep herself safe and until the local authority flat she had been offered was ready to move into.
Aamaal moved in with her host and they immediately hit it off. Both women shared a love of books, poetry, films and walking and they shared many happy experiences together. They went to the cinema together, attended local cultural celebration events and, due to the warmth and hospitality of her host, Aamaal started to make her own friends in the area and developed the confidence to make her own arrangements and go out with her friends independently.
The placement lasted for three months, after which Aamaal moved into her local authority flat and started work in local shop. At the end of the placement Aamaal sent all her thanks to the Hope at Home team, she said that the placement with her host had given her a new beginning and she had moved into her flat and new job feeling completely healed.
You will learn intercultural communication skills and get experience volunteering for a charity working with people from all walks of life! Many survivors referred to us are also seeking asylum or have been granted refugee status, so you will also gain better understanding of the refugee sector.
During placements, you will be required to be around for online monthly placement reviews. You may wish to share a meal once a week with a guest, it is entirely up to you. Some people host all year round, others host once a year. Guests will appreciate having a warm home whilst they rebuild their lives through finding work, study or access other opportunities depending on their situation. Don't just take it from us, hear from our current and past hosts! https://vimeo.com/1016085312
Benefits and perks
All hosts receive full training on modern slavery awareness, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, processes and best practices and are provided with 1:1 support during the hosting process. Also up to £70 per week hosting allowance is provided, to help towards energy bills and other costs during hosting placements.