The IASC and Snowdrop

Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner at Snowdrop

Last week, Snowdrop was delighted to host the new Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, at our office.

The role of Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner was established by the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and is independent of government. The Commissioner works collaboratively with the government and relevant partners to ensure modern slavery is effectively tackled in the UK. The Commissioner also works with international partners to promote best practice in tackling modern slavery. Eleanor took up the role in December 2023, with the appointment set to last for three years.

During her visit, Eleanor spent time with Snowdrop’s caseworkers, who provide frontline support and advocacy for survivors of modern slavery and exploitation. Eleanor and Snowdrop’s casework team discussed survivors’ experiences of accessing support. Rebecca, one of Snowdrop’s Senior Caseworkers, said:

“I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with Eleanor. Not only did I get to share some of the practical challenges survivors of modern slavery face when accessing their basic rights and entitlements, but we also spoke about the feelings of alienation, loneliness and shame so many of Snowdrop’s clients experience as they come into contact with benefits, housing and Home Office systems. These systems often demand things that trauma obscures: memories, physical and emotional energy, health, 'coherent' narratives, and the self-worth to seek support. It was a constructive conversation, and Eleanor was really engaged with the discussion.”

Eleanor also met with other members of the Snowdrop team to learn more about the holistic support that Snowdrop provides. In addition to Snowdrop’s casework support, the Commissioner spent time discussing Snowdrop’s counselling service, community activities, renovation programme, training provision and policy work.

Rachel Medina, Snowdrop’s CEO, said: “It was wonderful to welcome Eleanor to the Snowdrop office. It was clear that Eleanor was keen to learn more about the long-term, holistic support that Snowdrop provides to survivors of modern slavery and exploitation, as well as the gaps in support and the different challenges that survivors face as they recover from their experiences. It was a really constructive visit, and we look forward to working with Eleanor in the future to help inform best practice across the sector, so that more survivors are empowered to rebuild their lives.”

Eleanor Lyons added: “As Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, I am committed to advocating for the needs of all victims and survivors of modern slavery. That is why it was great to spend time with Rachel and the team at Snowdrop to hear the incredibly valuable services that they provide to clients. This holistic, long-term support, with the individual at the heart of it, is essential for victims and survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking, whose needs are unique. I look forward to working with Snowdrop as they continue to empower and support people during their recovery journey.”

We really enjoyed meeting and talking with Eleanor, and we hope she enjoyed her visit to Snowdrop. We look forward to working together in the future to build a future free from modern slavery and exploitation. 

To get the latest news from Snowdrop, subscribe to our newsletter.