‘Like a hug’

Emina was trafficked from southern Europe to the UK a number of years ago, and was hurt and exploited in many different ways.

Emina, pictured below, lives with post traumatic stress disorder as a result of her past. The memories are so traumatic that Emina is unable to talk about those times, but she loves to talk about her life as it is now.

No more hurt

‘Ella’s is like a hug!’ says Emina, wrapping her arms around herself. ‘If someone needs help, they are welcome at Ella’s. It’s safe and protecting. The people, the place, the work – all of it.’

Emina moved into one of our safe houses two years ago. She cries when she remembers what it was like to feel safe for the first time in so long.

‘When I first came here, I felt like a queen,’ says Emina. ‘I could never have imagined that I’d be able to live in a place like this. My own room, a bathroom, a kitchen to use when I want. It was a lot to take in.

'It is so different to my past, because no-one is hurting me here. They are only protecting me.’

Emina was trafficked from southern Europe to the UK. She has come so far during her time at Ella’s.

“Before, I was thinking only of how to survive day-to-day. But now, I can think about my future. At Ella’s, I have been given the space and support to grow stronger. The people here truly help people like me. I want Ella’s to grow and help more women.”

Hope for the future

Emina has come so far during her time at Ella’s. We’ve helped her access the counselling and mental health support she needs, apply for benefits, go to English language classes and more. She is now more confident and is building relationships with other people for the first time in a long time.

Emina has started to think about her goals for the future, and has taken the step of moving on from our safe house.

‘Before, I was thinking only of how to survive day-to-day. But now, I can think about my future. I would like to have my own place to live, and I would like to do a job where I can help other people who need help.

‘At Ella’s, I have been given the space and support to grow stronger. The people here truly help people like me. I want Ella’s to grow and help more women.’

If you can donate today to help unlock freedom among women like Emina, please click below. For other ways to support and partner with us, please get in touch. Thank you.

All photos: Tom Price/Ella’s