Back In Control Project
About Back in Control (BIC) Project
Between June 2019 and August 2022, we delivered the 1st phase a project named “Back in Control” in order to identify instances of modern slavery and workplace exploitation in the Sunderland area and empower former victims to regain control of their lives. We also raise awareness of modern slavery and workplace exploitation among local organisations through seminars and outreach initiatives. On 01/08/2022, we launched the 2nd phase of this project with more emphasis on wellbeing, prevention and education.
The project aims to:
- Identify victims of modern-day slavery and take appropriate steps to end exploitative situations.
- Individually support former victims of modern-day slavery, enabling them to become resilient and regain control of their lives.
- Provide former victims with improved access to employment opportunities.
- Improve the financial prospects for former victims.
- Provide local organisations with the tools and knowledge to recognise workplace exploitation and modern slavery.
- Recruit and train new volunteers.
BiC – Phase 1
Update from phase 2- February 2024:
The Back in Control 2 project is currently supporting 53 people affected by modern day slavery or workplace exploitation. Having assessed the situation of those clients who have been on the project for more than a year, or have exited the project, so far, we have achieved the following:
Improved client wellbeing: 15 clients
Improved financial situation: 13 clients
Improved stability: 14 clients
Involvement through volunteering: 7 clients
Additionally:
-9 clients have become more independent
-10 have reported benefit awards (we believe this to be underreported)
-13 have reported being in a better housing situation
-9 have reported they had become better at doing basic daily things for themselves (e.g., using the post office)
-9 have reported having improved English language skills
Many have also received material support such as food vouchers, bus tickets or mobile top-ups
BIC Referral
We are keen to link with local organisations to ensure that Back in Control Project reaches the people who need it most. We need you to identify people you are working with who have suffered from modern slavery, workplace exploitation and need a helping hand. Refer them to us and we will do the rest.
Please download the referral form as a pdf document to your computer by Clicking Here
Please complete this referral form with the person being referred.
GDPR Note: We collect the minimum amount of data we need, follow GDPR’s rules regarding how to store personal data and honour the rights of the individual.
Please email your scanned completed referral form (as an attachment) to office@icos.org.uk or post to 14 Foyle Street, Sunderland, SR1 1LE
Project Steering Group
The Back in Control 2 project has an active Project Steering Group (PSG), composed of 6 current project clients.
They help us to shape the project, make it more accessible, and act as project ambassadors, and critical friends to the project. They halil from a diverse range of countries and ethnicities, including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ukraine and Poland.
We are grateful for their work and we hope to expand it soon!
Please email your scanned completed referral form (as an attachment) to office@icos.org.uk or post to 14 Foyle Street, Sunderland, SR1 1LE
BIC Posters in different languages:
Media
The Project was reported on by the Sunderland Echo on 18th September 2019, see: Sunderland Echo Back in Control