Executive Summary
Soroptimist International, which has 75,000 members in 122 countries, works at a global, national, regional and local community level. The organisation was founded in 1921 to improve the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities. The principles of the organisation are to strive for the advancement of the status of women; high ethical standards; human rights for all; equality, development and peace and the advancement of international understanding.
Stockton-on-Tees Club has been active for 65 years. Members work on projects primarily, but not limited to, supporting women and children.
The Stockton Club has been providing emergency bags for victims of trafficking and slavery since 2018, liaising with the Cleveland Police Complex Exploitation Team to assess the individual need of each victim and to provide suitable supplies to meet their immediate basic needs. Some victims are also provided with a mobile phone to enable them to maintain contact with the police regarding ongoing investigations.
When people are removed from trafficking they often have to leave with no possessions, therefore the emergency bags can be vital to provide immediate comfort. The bags, specific to male and female, contain a full set of clothes, underwear, toiletries, towels, a small amount of cash and a few treats. Emergency supplies for children, toilet bags and activity bags, emergency food and sanitary products are also provided when required.
The supply is led by demand and this is achieved through regular communication with the Cleveland Police Complex Exploitation Team contact.
Stockton on Tees Soroptimists will source supplies, ensuring best value for money and ensure that the project is managed efficiently and timely to meet the requirements of the Complex Exploitation Team.
The demand for the emergency bags and mobile phones is clearly demonstrated by the volume of victims in Cleveland. During the period July 2022 to July 2023, 215 victims of modern day slavery and trafficking were dealt with by the Complex Exploitation Team through the National Referral Mechanism.