Rewriting the Futures shone a spotlight on modern slavery survivors who had been supported by Causeway. The four individuals who featured across the campaign had reached a point in their recovery journey where they were living full and rich lives, whilst also helping their wider communities.

The people we support, whether they’re survivors of modern slavery, or those who want to put a criminal past behind them, tend to have similar things in common; a lack of control over their lives, and a sense of marginalisation that leaves them lingering on the fringes of society.

Our job is to support them in their journey back towards emotional strength and independence, and to help them integrate into, and to be part of, a stable, thriving community. When people are supported to move away from their trauma, and into a situation where they feel valued, they will become active, respected, and valuable members of our society.

We all have a past, and we all have a story, but it does not have to define our future.

We don’t write off the people in our care, we help re-write their futures.

Tobi’s troubled childhood descended into chaos after he was groomed by gang members whilst in foster care. At just nine-years-old he was surrounded by violence, involved in drug feuds, and in fear for his life. By twelve, he was made to carry guns, deal drugs, and obey the orders of the gang. After more than a decade of violence and trouble, in which he was shot, stabbed, and imprisoned, Tobi is now a passionate advocate for the rights of young people at risk of gang exploitation, and is determined not to allow the trauma of his early life define his future.

Rik’s comfortable life in the Czech Republic crumbled after he lost his job and his mother in the same month. Keen for a fresh start, Rik agreed to go to England with a ‘friend’ who promised to help him find a home and well-paid work. But what Rik found was exploitation and violence when his ‘friend’ forced him to work seven days a week for less than £5 a day. However, Rik never lost his optimism for the future, and after being rescued by police, Rik is now properly employed, in control of his own money and life, and a highly valued member of his team.

When Ali arrived in the UK, she trusted the family she lived with to support her goals of becoming a teacher, and handed over her money and documents. However, they deceived her, and for the next seven years, forced her to work as a domestic servant in their home, assaulting and berating her if she complained, and controlling her every move. Ali felt helpless and alone but finally summoned the courage to tell her story and leave her abusers. She is now in control of her own life and thriving in her community where she plays a central role as a friend and volunteer.

Anya had dreams of becoming a midwife, and was doing well at university in the UK. However, after being befriended by people from her home country and moving in with them, she found herself gradually isolated from her old life. Their psychological control of her eventually became physical, and she was forced into prostitution. Anya’s life was one of terror and misery, but with support, Anya recovered her mental strength and resilience to the point where she is now once again training to work in the NHS. Despite the abuse, her desire to help people remained as strong as ever.