Modern slavery survivor choir brings Christmas message of hope
published on 20 Dec 2024
A choir formed of survivors of modern slavery delivered a moving Christmas performance at The Salvation Army’s Territorial Headquarters, attended by staff and the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips MP.
The choir, ‘Dreams’, is made up of men and women who are recovering from experiences of modern slavery with support from The Salvation Army through a government contract for all adult survivors in England and Wales, which provides access to medical, financial, legal and other help including counselling and safe accommodation.
‘Dreams’ was established three years ago by Salvation Army specialist support worker and musician Nigel Long, who was keen to use the therapeutic power of music as part of survivors’ recovery. Nigel explained:
“We wanted to help survivors we were working with in their recovery to build a sense of community as well as have fun through music. At first, it was a very small group formed of shy members who didn’t talk to us or each other, let alone sing. Now, they are singing and speaking out with confidence about the benefits of the group and how it has really impacted their lives.”
They helped me build my self-confidence, especially when I joined this singing group. ‘Thank you’ is just not enough for everything they have done for me.
Among the choir members was Wendy*, who bravely shared her story. Wendy had been subjected to years of physical, financial, and psychological abuse while held in domestic servitude by a family who denied her freedom and dignity. She said:
“I was treated so badly. My boss would shout at me and beat me. He refused me pay or contact with my family, and I had to work hours on end. Before I escaped and came to The Salvation Army, I was so afraid because of what had happened to me. They helped me build my self-confidence, especially when I joined this singing group. ‘Thank you’ is just not enough for everything they have done for me.”
The choir performed a selection of Christmas songs alongside their own composition, ‘The Survivor’s Song (I Will Rise Up)’, which they wrote and recorded together. This uplifting anthem, now available on Spotify, reflects their journeys of resilience and hope.
The Christmas performance concluded with a heartfelt rendition of Silent Night, accompanied by a Salvation Army brass group, during which the audience sang along with the choir.
Today was about more than just music; it was about showing that healing and joy are possible, even after the darkest of experiences.
The performance was a powerful celebration of community, recovery, and hope. Major Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery said:
“Today was about more than just music; it was about showing that healing and joy are possible, even after the darkest of experiences. The Dreams choir embodies that message.”
The Salvation Army continues to support survivors of modern slavery across the UK through practical assistance, counselling, and initiatives like the choir that empower individuals to rebuild their lives.
*Names changed to protect identities