BCHA is pleased to announce its appointment by the Salvation Army as a specialist partner to provide support to adult victims of modern slavery in England and Wales through the Government’s new Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract (MSVCC).
The new and extended contract goes live in Winter 2020/2021, following a period of transition from the current service. It enables The Salvation Army and BCHA to build on relationships and expertise developed since 2011 when the church and charity was first appointed to manage the wide-ranging support services needed to help survivors of slavery as they begin to recover and move on with their lives.
The organisations are now working together to be ready to transfer and extend the support existing survivors already receive to all stages of their recovery from the point of rescue and as they journey towards independent living.
Major Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, said:
“We are pleased to welcome BCHA , who has played a key role in helping us to support thousands of victims of modern slavery as they rebuild their lives, bringing important expertise and a shared passion to change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“We are looking forward to working together in the coming months and years as we introduce new services to meet the increasing numbers of people being referred to us for help.
“Together we will ensure that services are delivered to the highest standards, with the needs and voices of survivors at the centre of all we do.”
For over 50 years BCHA, a charitable homelessness and housing association working across the South West, has sought to help people to lead better, more independent, fulfilled lives, by providing and building safe, affordable, secure homes with support where needed. BCHA’s commitment to providing customer focused outstanding services is a continual driver for staff and volunteers, whether they are developing sites, supporting survivors of modern day slavery, building communities or delivering employability and life skills. BCHA believes that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity, respect and as individuals.
Commenting on the new Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract, Martin Hancock, Chief Executive of BCHA, said:
“BCHA is proud to be continuing its important partnership with The Salvation Army and committing to the delivery of the new Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract. We believe in the importance and value of every individual and in our work will focus not only on providing a safe place to stay, but also enabling each victim to take control of their life and find a better way forward. Providing practical and emotional help to prepare for the future, our support workers have specialist knowledge and expertise in supporting victims of Modern Day Slavery and understand the impact this has on individuals, their children and families. It’s vital we work together to raise awareness of this coercive and abusive practice to help bring an end to this modern day slavery ”
For more information, visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/modern-slavery