Modern Slavery Survivor School
Australia is a free country, isn’t it? Not for everyone.
Modern slavery exists here. And the people who escape it need more than rescue. They need long-term support to recover, rebuild, and thrive.
The Survivor School is the heart of The Freedom Hub. It’s where survivors of modern slavery find safety, connection, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Our school offers trauma-informed courses, wraparound care, and a community of support that walks alongside survivors as they reclaim their independence and dignity.
100% of profits from The Freedom Hub support this work.
Support survivor recovery today.
How we help slavery survivors recover
The Survivor School is Australia’s only life-term wrap-around care program specifically designed to support survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking. We help them recover from trauma, regain their independence, and prepare for lasting employment.
It’s a place where survivors are trained, encouraged and prepared for the workforce. A place where, through one-to-one mentoring, supported learning, and practical application; survivors can learn faster than in a large group, feel valued, and trust is re-established. Survivors are accelerated into a position of success because our classes are trauma-informed and sensitive to their unique needs.
We run classes both face to face and online so we can help survivors from all over Australia. We also run wellness workshops, peer support groups and ‘outings’ to help them rebuild confidence and enjoy socialising with peers. We provide work experience and employment pathways, with screened partner companies for survivors who have completed our Survivor School courses.
All our programs are:
- Tailored to each survivors success plan and individual needs
- Survivor-led and strengths-based
- Focused on restoring confidence, dignity, and independence.
“The Freedom Hub helps survivors stay motivated & seek opportunities to live a life of freedom, by offering individual supported learning and work pathways. This sets them up with hope as well as the opportunity to have another go and not lose heart.”
— Sally Irwin, Founder
The Survivor Journey
Survivor School
Onboard
Establish trust, safety, needs, and goals for their future. This includes:
- Survivor Interview
- Acceptance Checklist
- Safety Plan
- Wellness Assessment
- Needs Assessment
- Success Plan.
Survivor School
Rebuild
Establish friendships, confidence and life skills. This includes:
- Socialisation/Outings
- Peer Support Group
- TI Yoga / Equine / Art
- English Conversation
- Lifeskills courses
- Word Ready 1.
Career Scholarship
Thrive
Develop a personal skill set that is ready for work or study. This includes:
- Study Skills
- Communications 1 & 2
- ICT & Computer Skills
- Work Ready 2
- Office Skills
- Money Minded
- Piano/Art.
Career Scholarship
Success
Application of skills in the workplace or school. This includes:
- Employment Pathways
- childcare
- nursing
- hospitality
- administration
- retail
- Study Pathways
- Ad Hoc Courses
- Barista/First aid/RSA.
Lifelong Support
Alumni
Long-term support and a peer network are encouraged. This includes:
- Assistance as required
- 1/2 yearly check-ins
- Quarterly Reunions
- Invited to Outings
- Continue Trauma Inf. Yoga / Equine/ Art
/ Piano.
We also support survivors across Australia with online coaching and virtual learning options.
Every survivor’s story is unique. Our role is to walk alongside them as they heal, grow, and build the future they choose.
Want to partner with us? Learn more here
Measurable Impact
Since 2014, The Freedom Hub has supported hundreds of survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in Australia. Through our trauma-informed programs, many have rebuilt confidence, secured employment, and found their place in the community once again. 80% of survivors find employment within 12months of enrolling in the survivor school.
This program isn’t just about recovery; it’s about restoring freedom, identity, and the chance to thrive.
Who We Help
We support people in Australia who have experienced modern slavery, including:
- Forced labour
- Human trafficking
- Domestic servitude
- Forced marriage
- Sexual exploitation.
Survivors come to us through a variety of trusted pathways, including government programs, frontline services, NGOs, and community referrals. Each case is handled with care and sensitivity, ensuring their safety and choice is always prioritised.
Our Referral Pathways
Government Referrals
Many survivors are referred via the Australian Government’s Support for Trafficked People Program, managed by the Red Cross. This begins after identification by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), who then initiate a 60-day support plan, including legal, financial, and healthcare assistance. The Freedom Hub provides ongoing trauma-informed support and future-focused programs throughout their recovery.
NGO and Community Referrals
Not all survivors are aware of their situation or feel safe to report. Services such as domestic violence shelters, hospitals, youth centres, and migrant support agencies often play a critical role in identifying victims. We provide training to help these services recognise signs of modern slavery and offer safe referral options.
Direct Referrals Direct Referrals
Concerned community members, employers, and even survivors themselves may reach out to us. We assess each situation with care. When immediate danger is present, we liaise with the AFP. When it’s safe to do so, we meet survivors in secure, agreed-upon locations to discuss their options.
Our Process
Identification
A survivor is referred to us
Assessment
We assess their immediate needs and safety
Support
A co-designed recovery and support program is put in place.
Mentored
Skills trained for independent, successful lives
We are privately funded. The basic cost to support a survivor is approximately $5,000 per year, with additional fundraising needed for high-needs cases. As a non-government-funded charity, we welcome sponsorships and donations to ensure no survivor is left without care.
Want to make a difference? Support a survivor today.
To start the referral process, please complete the online referral form or download and submit the printed form to us.
Why Long-Term Care Matters
Survivors of modern slavery often face deep trauma, complex legal cases, immigration challenges, and long periods of instability, which lead to barriers to employment. Without family or friends to provide proper support, many risk re-trafficking or long-term harm.
At The Freedom Hub, we provide consistent, life-long care. We help survivors move from survival to strength, giving them the tools, confidence, and a peer community they need to thrive.
“This place has helped me feel safe, helped me trust again.” — Survivor Graduate
“When I first came to The Freedom Hub, I was scared of everything. I didn’t know how to shop, use public transport, or even talk to people. The classes and support helped me gain confidence. Now, I feel hopeful about my future.” — Survivor Story (Name changed for safety)
“This place has helped me feel safe, helped me trust again.” — Survivor Graduate
How We’re Funded
We rely on the generosity of donors, community fundraisers, ethical business partners, and government and philanthropic grants to continue this work.
Make a tax-deductible impact.
How You Can Support the Survivor School
Donate
Partner
Support us through funding, in-kind donations, or program sponsorship.
Book Catering or Events
Volunteer
Support us with your time and skills.
Stories of Freedom
Miguel’s* Inspiring Road to Freedom
Miguel’s* story is an inspiring road to freedom. Once deceived and trapped in labour exploitation, he was led to believe he was stepping into a life of education, learning, and employment. However, instead of opportunity, he found himself in a situation of...
Ruth’s* Story from Fear to Hope
After escaping a harmful family situation where she was being coerced into a forced marriage, Ruth was referred to The Freedom Hub by the Red Cross. At first, she arrived filled with fear and uncertainty, unsure of what the future might hold. However, once she began...
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