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.
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.
ATLEU Changemakers
ATLEU Changemakers is our core Lived Experience Group that meets in our London office every week. Members are our current and previous clients, and together we develop campaigns, shape projects and share our priorities with the wider team. We are continually building and growing.
Current Projects
Barriers to employment in the advice sector
We are creating recommendations to government, employers and institutions about how those with lived experience of trafficking and modern slavery can be supported to become advisers.
Expanding our group
After our year as a pilot group, we have welcomed new members and take time for our wellbeing and to share skills.
ATLEU’s five year strategy
For the first time, we are part of developing ATLEU’s new strategy and are shaping how lived experience will continue at the heart of our work.
Past Achievements
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.
Read our campaign messages here.
Employment pathways research
Our Lived Experience Group members trained as peer researchers to carry out research with Voice of Domestic Workers and the University of Sheffield to explore the under-representation of people with lived experience of trafficking and modern slavery working in the advice sector and explores the barriers and enablers to employment. The project is funded by City Bridge Foundation.
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.
To find out more about all of our Lived Experience work, please email: lydia@atleu.org.uk
Lived Experience Coalition