Stories and news
Here’s the latest from Ella’s. We hope these stories inspire and move you to be part of our work at Ella’s, and to do what you can to stop slavery and exploitation.
Due to the nature of our work, a number of these stories contain references to violence, sexual and other types of abuse that some readers may find upsetting. Where we use names, please assume these have been changed for the protection of the women we work with.
More than just a snack
Halimot is an incredible woman, and a survivor of child trafficking. And now she is also the proud creator of TRIBE’s latest bar flavour.
Becca’s ‘marathon madness’
Up for a (huge) challenge this Spring and inspired to support Ella’s, Becca took on not one but TWO marathons, raising a brilliant £1,300!
Strength and belief
Ayesha is a survivor of trafficking, domestic servitude and honour-based-violence. Today she describes herself as a strong woman, and is building belief in herself and others.
A new love of life
When Nia arrived at the Ella’s house, she felt safe for the first time in a very long time. Now, she is seeing life in a new way, and is full of hope for the future.
Lasting freedom for every survivor
A piece by Co-Director Emily Chalke written for London Community Foundation, to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023.
Not helpless anymore
May felt like she was helpless and shut out of the world when she was trafficked. Today, she is rediscovering life. She is no longer helpless.
Free to be who she is
Jeliah was persecuted because of her sexuality and then trafficked into exploitation. She is now rebuilding her life, free to be who she is.
No place like home(s)
One man and his friends, a 60th birthday, 700 miles and more than £5,000 raised. Meet Jon…
Freedom fighter
Milana was trafficked to the UK from Lithuania when she was a teenager. She hopes her story will help raise awareness of trafficking and exploitation.
Purpose and pedals
Alvaro cycled from London to Madrid in one go, to support survivors. Here’s his inspiring story, and his ‘why’.
More than a family
Marie was trafficked to the UK when she was just a child. At Ella’s, she found the care and respect she deserves, and began her journey of recovery.
‘Like a hug’
Emina was trafficked to the UK and hurt in many ways. She describes Ella’s as ‘like a hug’, and has come so far during her time with us.
The power of community
Our new Community and Resettlement service is just one of the changes we’ve made to strengthen our work, in the last year.
The power of love
Simon and Derrina Thomas got married in Summer 2021, and decided to support Ella’s through their beautiful wedding.
A marathon effort for survivors
Meet the three brilliant people running the London Marathon 2021 for Ella’s.
Self care tips and tools from Ella’s
Mental health is a huge aspect of our among survivors. It’s crucial for our staff too, and for you. Here are some self care tips and tools from our team and the women we work with.
Bravery and strength: COVID-19 one year on
It’s been difficult at times, but there is so much to be thankful for. One year on from the start of the first UK coronavirus lockdown, here’s a look at what it’s been like at Ella’s.
Author. Fundraiser. Activist. Meet Olive!
This amazing nine-year-old wrote a book about her experiences during covid-19 and is donating the royalties to Ella’s. Her story made it onto ITV News and into the local paper. Meet Olive.
Celebrating five years of unlocking freedom
It’s been five years since the opening of Ella’s’ first safe house. Read about some of our first and current residents, and the impact we’ve had so far.
Heard and strong: Halimot’s story
Halimot was just nine years old when she was trafficked from Africa to Europe. Read her inspiring story of strength and recovery.
Running to the light
A film featuring the story of Lucia, one of the survivors we work with (played by an actor). It was commissioned by our friends at TRIBE.