A NEW wing has opened in a modern slavery safe house in Merseyside.
The Catholic Archbishop of Liverpool, Malcolm McMahon, declared the wing open at the Medaille Trust safe house which will provide refuge for eight more victims of modern slavery.
The safe house in Merseyside is one of 10 Medaille Trust safe houses in the country.
Following the additional eight new rooms, the house is now able to provide supported accommodation for 18 male survivors of modern slavery.
Medaille’s Mersey Service Manager Naomi Mumba-Dobson said: "The eight new beds will help us continue in our mission to provide accommodation and support to victims and survivors of modern slavery by giving people a lovely and warm place that they can use for their recovery and reflection period."
CEO of Medaille Trust Garry Smith added: "The number of victims of modern slavery is sadly growing significantly every year.
"Last year, 129 men were referred to our survivor services in the North-West.
"We must continue to respond to this increase with much-needed support for those who escape and seek refuge and protection.
"The funding from the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation, which we are very grateful for, has helped us with this response."
One of the survivors of modern slavery related his experience coming to live at the Mersey safe house.
He said: "I was really nervous when I arrived, but I was given a warm welcome, and from that day to this, my life has changed for the better.
"I have been shown kindness by every member of staff, and they helped me regain my confidence.
"I have been given access to various local services so I can build a promising future in front of me.
"I would like to thank all members of staff for the help and support they have given me."
Medaille Trust is now trying to raise just over £400,000 to further improve the Mersey safe house with a counselling room, a sports and recreation room, a multi-faith prayer room, and a training room, among other facilities.
For more information on Medaille Trust, visit https://www.medaille-trust.org.uk/.
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