I was recently asked to become ambassador for Cahira House, which is a supported accommodation project, based in West Central Scotland. It offers space to women over the age of 16 who have exited trafficking in the sex industry and those who have experienced significant trauma relating directly to childhood sexual abuse, sexual violence and sexual exploitation.
Having campaigned against human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation for about 15 years, I was deeply touched to be asked to take on this role.
Cahira was the vision of Bob and Melissa in 2001. they wanted to bring hope and healing to women recovering from trauma and brokenness and they have created a safe and secure haven for the women to begin the process of rebuilding and restoring themselves.
The accommodation for the women is delightful. There are six en-suite, beautifully decorated bedrooms, which are comfortable and cosy. There is also a communal dining area and kitchen, where the women can cook and eat together.
Every woman has an individual support plan to suit her particular needs. The emphasis is on helping her feel unique, valued and loved in order to restore a sense of dignity, self-worth and purpose. There is a member of staff on duty in the daytime, who can offer hands on support - for example, helping the women to shop, go to college, or learn to drive, or going with them to appointments. The women have access to trained counsellors, a community support service, a bespoke education programme and a range of craft and pampering activities to promote mental, physical, emotional and spiritual healing. There is an on-call system for emergencies day and night.
Cahira was registered with the Care Inspectorate on 7 July 2017 and was inspected on the 3rd July 2018. It received a rating of Grade 5 for Care, Support and Staffing.
This is what one of the residents said about Cahira:
'I love it here. I like everything about it. I can't think of anything they could do better. I feel a million times better. I was a riot. Just having support and people who care has made the difference ... I plan to grow up here, I'm going to learn to drive, I attend a literacy class ... I feel happier. I was the most miserable person you could ever see. I feel safe here. There's an on-call number. It’s so clean. I feel like a princess. Having people care and stick by you, it helps. You get support with everything. I've put on weight as I didn't used to eat. I'm not on any drugs, I don't even smoke anymore. I couldn't even speak to people before.’
Truly, I couldn’t imagine a more supportive, non-judgmental space to heal and recover. I am delighted to be in a position to promote this remarkable project in order that more women, who so desperately need it, can receive its specialised care.
PS - due to financial difficulties Cahira house is no longer providing this facility, but those involved believe the model of supportive care is one that should be available for all those recovering from being trafficked. Help for victims of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery can be found at Hope For Justice Scotland.
https://hopeforjustice.org/news/2016/12/hope-for-justice-launches-in-scotland/