Hello everyone and welcome to the summer edition of our newsletter. This is a big year for Invisible Traffick as we mark 10 years since our formation. I can hardly believe that it was 10 years ago from I felt the calling to create a way of raising the issue of human trafficking in our community and help to speak up for those who have been affected by this horrible crime. The charity has grown significantly in the last 10 years, but our mission remains the same, to make the invisible, visible. I hope that you can join us over the next few months at some of our events as we give thanks to everyone who has been involved with Invisible Traffick. We are excited to see what the future holds as we continue our work both here in Northern Ireland and throughout these islands. Please continue to pray for our charity and thank you for all your support over the past decade.
Gayle xx

10 Years of Invisible Traffick
We have organised several events to mark our 10th anniversary, hopefully there will be something here for everyone! We would be delighted if you could join us as we mark this special year. From our evening of gratitude to a family centred picnic and screening of our short films we hope you will join and celebrate with us. For more information on any of our events please email [email protected] or call the office on 028 9124 9451.

On Sunday 11th September at Bangor Elim, we will present an evening of gratitude to give thanks to everyone who has been involved in the charity and to recognise the work that has been done. During this evening we will take you on a
journey through the past decade using stories, music and visuals. This evening is open to everyone, and we would be delighted to see as many people there as possible. There will be a light supper served after the service as well as an
opportunity to meet staff, volunteers and trustees involved with the charity.

We have created a special Invisible Traffick candle (which you can purchase on our website here) to encourage people to shine a light on slavery. This beautiful candle has been hand poured by a local maker using a sustainable blend of rapeseed and coconut wax and perfumed with a delicate fragrance that will enhance anyone’s home. Not only does this candle smell wonderful but it also burns brilliantly and by purchasing one you will be helping us to spread our message. We have a limited number of these special candles and can be purchased at only £15 plus P&P either though
our website or by contacting us directly. All proceeds go directly to the work
of Invisible Traffick.

Junior Education Programme
We are so excited to be able to screen all our education short films on Saturday 24th September as part of our 10th anniversary programme of events. These films have been created for use in primary schools across Northern Ireland and beyond. They follow the story of Bella, Visi and Brave as these terrific trio solve missions to teach our young people about modern slavery. The plan is to distribute these series of short films to primary schools, uniformed organisations and youth centres along with resources that will help with the understanding of subjects such as identity theft, exploitation and online dangers. For more information please visit our
website or email [email protected]

Creative response to Human Trafficking Event

On 15th October as part of International Anti-Slavery Day we will host a creative evening at The Duncairn featuring dance, music, poetry and the spoken word. This event is aimed at anyone with an interest in the transformative power of the arts and how the arts can be used to amplify voices even when the subject is difficult and challenging. We will be joined by local artists in the beautiful surroundings of The Duncairn, a former Presbyterian Church that has been a beacon for reconciliation, creativity, and community. This will be a ticketed event, more details of how you can
book will be released later in the year however if you would like more information, please get in touch with Megan by
emailing [email protected]

The Journey to Empowerment
Our Journey to Empowerment Programme continues to deliver essential training and support for some of our
most “at risk” young people. The team have been working hard across Northern Ireland in youth clubs, care homes and community centres to deliver an interactive 8-week programme on human trafficking and exploitation. So far,
the response from the young participants has been really positive with high levels of engagement and interaction. Participants are given the opportunity to discuss subjects such as safe and healthy relationships, online grooming and abuse, types of human trafficking and what they can look like in your everyday life. This programme is a great way
of helping younger people to understand trafficking and how to protect themselves and their peers. If you would like to know more about the programme, please visit our website www.invisibletraffick.org

Fundraising Updates
On Sunday 1st May 24 amazing volunteers took part in the 40th Belfast City Marathon on behalf of Invisible
Traffick. Some people took part in the walking route, others in relay teams and 3 amazing people completed
the whole marathon! It was a wet start for everyone but by the time the event was over the sun had peeked
out and there were wide smiles, sore legs and a few blister plasters required! We are so very proud of each
person who took up this challenge. In total this group of wonderful people raised over £5,000 for Invisible
Traffick! Thank you to everyone who took part and to those who sponsored them along the way.

Almost one year ago we lost a much loved and valued member of the Invisible Traffick family. Mary McSharry
headed up our operations in Sligo until she became ill. On Monday 6 June members of her family took part
in the Dublin Mini Marathon in memory of Mary and to raise funds for the work of Invisible Traffick in southern Ireland. Mary would be so proud of everyone who participated and all those who supported them, one of Mary’s daughters even took part many miles away in Cardiff. We are committed to carrying on Mary’s work and in May this year Gayle attended an awareness raising event in Carrick-on-Shannon. We know that trafficking is still prevalent across this island and this grieves us deeply that’s why we need to redouble our efforts to make this whole island a hostile place for traffickers!

Fundraising Gala Dinner

We are thrilled to invite you to a very special gala dinner on Saturday 19th November. This is an opportunity to get dressed up and join us for an evening of celebration, friendship and even some dancing! This fund raising
event is the finale to our 10th anniversary year. We believe that all our achievements are worth celebrating and what better way to kick off the festive season than joining with friends and family whilst supporting the work of Invisible Traffick. We have sold a number of tickets already, however we are offering an early bird rate for tickets booked before 1st September. These tickets are available by emailing [email protected] or by calling us on 028 9124 9451. We have also negotiated a special room rate for anyone wishing to stay at the hotel that evening, just let us know if you need a room at your time of booking. There will be an exclusive raffle taking place on the evening with fabulous prizes such as an all expenses paid weekend away for two, a large flatscreen television and a Maganum of Champagane, to name but a few! So if you fancy a special evening out get in touch and get your tickets booked.

Please continue to follow our work on social media and if you would like to get in touch
the office is opened Monday – Thursday 9.30am to 5pm