TheBridge2Hope Academy is a support program for survivors of (sexual) exploitation and human trafficking. Twice a week we meet and work together towards a safe and free life. Each year there is room for 30 participants. TheBridge2Hope makes no distinction between those who are documented or undocumented.
The Academy serves as a community for the survivors
What is special about the Academy is that it uses an integral approach. The survivors receive therapy, support and Dutch lessons at the same place. The program is carried out by a group of regular volunteers and a psychologist who specializes in trauma treatment. There is a community feeling that also plays an important role. Graduated participants assist with the new participants. So, the survivors receive a lot of support from each other.
"The Academy helped me get to know myself"
Support the 30 participants of the Academy. Even a small contribution will already helps them to a better, safer life.
Three phases
TheBridge2Hope Academy program consists of three phases.
Phase 1
Stabilization
Providing physical, psychosocial and medical support. Goals in this phase are to gain confidence and learn how to cope with severe psychological trauma.
Phase 2
Rehabilitation
Characterized by training social and life skills. Language training and computer lessons are covered. The aim is to prepare for full participation in society.
Phase 3
Integration
Offering support in finding vocational training, financial independence and legal assistance, if needed. The aim is full integration into the society.
The three phases form the basis of an elaborate program consisting of the following components:
- Psychosocial support
- Nutrition program
- Physical exercise: as a result of years of exploitation and abuse, participants often have serious physical complaints. Body awareness has a healing effect and allows participants to reconnect with their own bodies.
- Social skills training
- Language lessons
- Craftsmanship
- Computer lessons
© Jimini Hignett
There is a regular evaluation of what each group needs. The effects of the interventions are included in the scientific research. Conversely, new insights in the field of effective interventions are also incorporated into the Academy's program.
An average of 3,000 euros per year is needed per participant to follow these components integrally twice a week. TheBridge2Hope depends entirely on donations for this funding. Your donation, no matter how large or small, goes directly to the program - for the benefit of the participants.
"Since I started at TheBridge2Hope, I'm better at Dutch. Now I also find it more interesting to learn things. I couldn't do much with the computer, and found it hard to express myself, but this organization has really helped me".
With many thanks to artist-activist Jimini Hignett for allowing us to use her photos from one of her ongoing projects with survivors of the sex industry. These self-portraits, painted on paper bags, show how they see themselves.
