ELFT Chief Executive Provides Speech at Anti-Slavery Exhibition

ELFT partner Hestia hosted the private ‘Art is Freedom’ event at Tower Bridge House on Thursday, 17th October to raise awareness of the role we all play in ending modern slavery, which is still happening in all of our communities.

Hestia delivers services across London for children and adults to tackle modern slavery, domestic abuse and mental health needs. Across 2023-24, Hestia has supported almost 250 individuals across Newham, Hackney and Tower Hamlets in its modern slavery work.

Public artwork displays were showcased for two weeks throughout October to promote the anti-slavery theme, and each photo, painting and drawing was created by those who have experienced modern slavery. The private showing event provided an additional opportunity to bring together healthcare leaders from across London.

Lorraine attended and spoke about the importance of stakeholder partnerships, such as that between the Trust and Hestia, the shared values of both organisations to improve the quality of life for all that we serve and the power of local communities to improve mental health and wellbeing.

The theme of the event was ‘Unlocked’. Lorraine drew on this and the way it resonated uniquely with each artist, while celebrating freedom, hope and life beyond trauma.

Hestia and ELFT work together to deliver the Tower Hamlets Together Café, a space for adults in the borough to access in-person mental health support. No referral processes are required and service users can drop-in from 9am-5pm on weekdays, or 12-9pm on weekends and bank holidays. The address is 86 Old Montague St, London E1 5JZ.