Who we are
Small steps, change lasting.
Adavu is a Birmingham-based charity walking alongside adult survivors of modern slavery as they rebuild their lives — with safety, dignity and choice at the centre of everything we do.
A response rooted in the West Midlands
Adavu began in 2011 as a project of the Birmingham Methodist District, formed to respond to the growing reality of modern slavery on our doorstep. Today we are an independent registered charity — Adavu CIO, registered in England and Wales (no. 1199391) — but our purpose is unchanged: to make sure no survivor has to face the journey to freedom alone.
Modern slavery is a complex, global crime that touches every part of a person's life, not just their physical freedom. The survivors we support face financial, legal and emotional challenges alongside their recovery from exploitation. Freedom is only the first of many steps toward a new life — and that is where our aftercare service steps in.
What guides us
Mission, vision & values
Free, long-term, trauma-informed support
To provide free, long-term, trauma-informed support and advocacy to survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery, enabling them to rebuild their lives with safety, dignity and choice.
A society where survivors are believed
A society where survivors are believed, supported and empowered to move forward with independence, stability and hope — and where best practice drives systemic change.
Survivor-centred, guided by lived experience
Rooted in dignity, respect, trust, integrity and collaboration. We believe lasting change happens through consistent, compassionate support over time.
How our aftercare works
Our main area of work is supporting men and women who have left the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), usually with a positive Conclusive Grounds decision. This is a moment when formal support often ends — and when the risk of poverty, homelessness or re-exploitation is highest.
We offer an integrated, ongoing package of support that helps survivors take their next steps: developing life skills, accessing benefits, and moving into training, education and employment, as well as reaching trauma and therapeutic provision. We are based in Birmingham and take referrals from across the West Midlands Police area.
small step with us.