Unseen is a Bristol based charity that is working towards a world without slavery by supporting survivors and vulnerable people through specialist services that enable them to recover safely and develop resilient, independent lives. Hannah started by explaining the meaning of trafficking which is the movement of people from one place to another.  It is a worldwide issue and is the second biggest illegal trade next to the drug industry.  The actual number of people trafficked is unknown as people are afraid to come forward. She showed a film displaying what happens to people when they are trafficked, their feelings and the signs we should look for in the community.  She also showed us a clip of “Favour’s Story”.  This showed us how she moved from country to country and how she was eventually rescued and saved by Unseen. She asked us to stay aware, get involved

Gish and Lucy gave a stimulating talk about their recent trip to Northern India. They gave a very personal account of their impressions of life in the places they travelled. During their three week stay they learnt about life in India and were impressed with the government’s attempts to increase the number of girl children who are born and who then complete an education. The government pays families on the birth of a girl baby and then at intervals as the girl goes through education. Trying to change such a huge country with many long held customs isn’t easy and will take a long time. They found the country huge, the people welcoming, the wildlife varied and the food delicious. India is a real assault on the senses, as their driver said: “you see anything and everything in India”. Fly drive certainly won’t catch on!    

Louise Mitchell, CEO of Bristol Music Trust was an inspirational speaker and covered all aspects of the refurbishment of the Colston Hall.  She also told us about the amazing music made by disabled students. The Bristol Music Trust and Bristol City Council are working together on the project and amongst other things they plan to: Remodel the existing main hall. Redevelop The Lantern (most of us knew this as “The Little Theatre”). Restore the Victorian foyer and include a restaurant on Colston Street side (the current restaurant will probably become a meetings area). Open up the historic cellars to create a third performance space and a dedicated music centre. Improve the stage and also have access for disabled artists. Install new comfortable seating, air conditioning, toilets and improving access throughout the building Improve the outside of the building on Colston Street. An SI Bristol Club member said