## **Annual Report for the Year Ended 30 April 2025** 

## **Overview** 

During the year under review we have had the privilege of providing residential care for two survivors of human trafficking - one for the full period  and one for six months. We have also continued to create awareness of human trafficking informally by word of mouth and through our Charity Shop, and have further strengthened our relational networking with other agencies, partnering specifically with Migrant Help and Flourish. 

Although we are primarily committed to supporting women, the current situation in Northern Ireland is such that there are now many more men who are survivors of trafficking than there are women. Consequently, as before, we have used some of our independent apartments to take in men as well as women. Both our survivors in the year under review were men. 

## **Accommodation** 

The survivors we cared for in the year under review came from West Africa and Central Europe, both coming from environments of labour exploitation. During their time with us they received physical and emotional support, and where appropriate were referred to professional counselling, legal assistance and statutory agencies, and were introduced to a supportive community. 

They have both grown in confidence, secure in their identities, and with renewed hope for their futures. 

## **Charity Shop** 

Our charity shop, which provides a significant part of our financial support, also continues to provide informal awareness about human trafficking and attracts a number of volunteers who want to contribute to this arena. It has also become known as a place of support and encouragement in the local community. 

## **Networking** 

We continue to maintain networking relationships with a number of human trafficking agencies across the UK.  Although we have connection with specific agencies in Bulgaria,The Netherlands, Germany, Hungary and Romania (in order to be able to provide alternative accommodation for women who need to be relocated for their safety, or who need local support when returning to their country of origin, should the need arise) it has not been necessary for us to avail of their services in the past year. 

## **Summary** 

Our resources continue to be under utilised, although in the current year we have accommodated seven survivors thus far. 

> Registered Address: 45 Closkelt Road, Castlewellan, Co.Down, BT31 9QF, Northern Ireland Company number:NI607099   Registered Charity: NIC101627   HMRC ref.no: XT30594 Email: admin@solastrust.org   Web: www.solastrust.org 

Directors: (Mrs) H Cupples  D Griffith  (Mrs) S Johnston  V Leighton