Annika and Alana's Stories
The survivors we work with have overcome incredible odds to rebuild their lives and create better futures for themselves, free from fear. In this blog, two survivors share their own stories, in their own words.
Annika's Story*
"I’m from South Africa. I came to the UK in 2005 with a family to be their child minder. I lived with them for three years, but I had to leave because of their treatment. I escaped, and moved around before I came to Sheffield.
Snowdrop has been helpful from the moment I was referred. I was helped through counselling. It was the first time I felt I could talk freely about my ordeal. I felt safe and protected. Snowdrop helped me with my travel money so that I could come to counselling. When I come to group activities at Snowdrop, I feel part of a family. I can be myself and I’m with people who understand me.
Snowdrop is so important to help people like me. People are not always free to go to places where they can feel safe, supported and protected. Snowdrop helps survivors feel free again, feel protected and part of a community that understands this pain."
Alana's Story*
"I'm in my early twenties. I found myself in the UK, being trafficked, without having even dreamt or wished to be in the UK. It was a very difficult experience, but being introduced to Snowdrop changed this.
Snowdrop has helped with decorating my house, dealing with trauma, increasing my confidence and settling in the UK. It’s given me the opportunity to meet other survivors and helped me see I’m not the only one in this situation.
Snowdrop is a huge help for survivors, and if the project ever ended, I fear I’d end up in a mental hospital. Imagine being in my situation without Snowdrop’s help. Before I was introduced to Snowdrop, I nearly lost my mind. I felt like my life was over. Now, I’m working on myself with Snowdrop by my side. Now, I’ve started to see the world differently and can believe that one day the nightmare is going to be over."
*Pseudonyms used
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Thank you!