Snowdrop's year in review

As 2023 draws to a close, we look back on another busy year at Snowdrop.

This year, we supported 274 individuals – more survivors than ever before - on their journeys towards recovery. The average time that Snowdrop provides support to an individual is now 2.5 years – this has increased in recent years as services become more difficult to access.

We couldn’t have done it without the support of our donors and volunteers. To everyone who donated, joined our community of regular givers, volunteered their time or simply helped spread the word about the work Snowdrop does – a heartfelt thank you.

Casework

In 2023, we supported 85 survivors with casework support, with 23 new referrals.

90% of clients engage with their Caseworker at least once per month, with new clients often accessing support a few times a week. The frequency often decreases with time as they gain independence.

Without support and advocacy, many survivors face overwhelming barriers to independent living, including ongoing police investigations, mental health issues and legal issues. Snowdrop’s caseworkers provide advocacy, practical and emotional support for survivors, working with them to create a plan to move forward with their lives. Caseworkers can provide support with police investigations, ongoing legal battles, housing, benefits, education, employment, reducing isolation, family life and wellbeing. They are fundamental in advocating for survivors to ensure they have access to the support they require to stabilise their lives, whilst they continue to recover from their exploitation.

“I think I come here every week, it seems I have a new problem every week. I am a single mum, I have two children, and have loads of problems with receiving benefits, many health problems too I can say, and every time I come here they are willing to help me with all my needs” – Snowdrop client

“When I first came here… I had many problems with council housing, I had many problems with getting benefits, so I was allocated a case worker who would be dealing with my issues, and only thanks to them, today, everything is in order." – Snowdrop client

Counselling

In 2023, we supported 107 survivors through our counselling service, with 52 new referrals.

100% of Snowdrop’s clients have mental health problems, and, this year, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the severity of people’s mental health struggles, as well as a rising number of clients detained under the Mental Health Act, as statutory mental health services struggle to deal with the level of demand.

At Snowdrop, counselling helps clients cope with their situations and process the psychological impact of exploitation. Our counselling service works from what is called the ‘bottom up’ approach in response to trauma symptoms and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Snowdrop offers three different counselling pathways, depending on the needs of the client. In all pathways, the client is in charge of the speed and pace of counselling. Clients can decide to stop counselling at any time, and re-enter by self-referral when they are ready again.

“The techniques have helped me so much… I didn’t go out for three months. Because of counselling, I can go out – I know I can manage how I feel.” – Snowdrop client

Community activities

In 2023, 150 adults and 119 children benefitted from over 110 activity sessions.

Community activities help survivors build confidence, make new friends and reintegrate into the community. Clients are also able to meet people, learn new skills and make connections in a safe and welcoming environment. Our community activities include our weekly Toddlers Group, sewing classes, dance classes, digital skills workshops and one-off workshops such as laser cutting, climbing and making bath bombs.

“For women who are in difficult situations, and who are facing many problems, Snowdrop has thought about each one of them. They organise English language classes, sewing classes, dancing, group counselling, and many other activities.” – Snowdrop client

“I am really happy being part of this group. My kids love it and they have learnt so much here. They have become friends with other kids. They ask me to go to the group because they like the songs and the toys. They do a lot of activities and the time flies.” - Toddler Group client

Renovations

In 2023, we completed 8 house renovations. When survivors are provided with permanent accommodation, usually through the local authority, it’s often in need of a deep clean, and all accommodation is unfurnished. To meet this need and help survivors transition into independent living, we work with the survivor and enlist a team of volunteers to clean, paint and furnish their house, making it into a safe and comfortable home.

“When I went there with my two children I cried from joy, I couldn’t believe my eyes that that was my house. It was all completed, all furnished, including a fully fitted kitchen. My children were so very happy. I don’t know what more to say.” – Snowdrop client.

It’s been a busy year at Snowdrop, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. From all of us at Snowdrop, thank you and have a lovely Christmas!