Modern Slavery – Katy’s Life After 30 Years of Captivity

An interview with Katy Morgan-Davies by Juanita Woodward

Katy’s past has been extensively documented, she now wishes to discuss her achievements since being assisted to escape captivity.

years of captivity

What have you enjoyed since moving to Palm Cove Society?

So many things! I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. I’m so happy I’m now able to choose my own reading material and watch what I want on TV! Everything was so controlled when I was forced to live with the cult.

I’m very passionate about politics and human rights, I have recently joined the labour party and enjoyed canvassing. I also support Amnesty International.

I have discovered a love of cooking and enjoy trying new recipes.

I liked being involved in the church choir, I love singing. Yvonne and Gerard (Palm Cove Society) took me to see Drake perform at the O2 Arena, it was my first concert and I really enjoyed his performance.

I love colouring my hair and trying out different makeup looks, I can now buy high heeled shoes, clothes and jewellery.

What would you like to do in the future?

I would like to become a Counsellor. I would find helping improve people’s lives very rewarding.

I want to learn to swim and I would love to travel abroad in the future. I’m excited about making new memories. The first countries on my bucket list are Ireland, Italy and America.

I am currently working on my biography and would like nothing more than to publish this along with my poems. When I was held by the cult I wrote poems religiously, I was always worried that I would die in the cult and nobody would get to read my poems!

There are so many other activities I’d like to try.

What did Palm Cove Society help you to learn?

Palm Cove Society took me in and taught me a lot. For the first time in my life, my opinion was asked for and considered – this was a new feeling.

Yvonne and Gerard taught me how to make decisions, manage money and shop, use public transport and how to walk down the street safely and navigate from A to B. They helped me build up my self-esteem, make eye contact in conversation and generally build up my self-confidence. They assisted me with general day to day life skills. I continue to build on these skills.

What do you think your main achievements are?

I think my main achievements so far are all the skills I’ve learnt in the last 3 years which now enable me to live independently. I’m now self-sufficient, I live in my own flat, I attend college and have made new friends.

Yvonne and Gerard bought me an iPod, iPad and smartphone, which has enabled me to embrace modern technology, which has opened a whole new world.

What do you like to do for fun?

I like listening to the birds sing. I love nature and learning about wildlife. I enjoy a good horror movie, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Coronation street, reading, writing, poetry, singing, cooking, fashion, dressing up, make-up, shoes, clothes handbags, jewellery, Psychology and Philosophy. I like listening to all kinds of music, especially Country Music and Daniel O’Donnell.

What are you most passionate about?

I’m passionate about helping other people. I don’t like anyone to feel alone, isolated or misunderstood because I used to feel like that all the time.

I’m passionate about nature, when we get in touch with nature I believe it helps us to connect with our higher selves. I also believe we shouldn’t hold grudges. Life is too short to argue, we should learn to forgive.

My favourite quote is “We’re are all walking each other home” by Ram Dass.

What challenges you?

My lack of confidence, I’m often afraid of saying the wrong thing or getting embarrassed for saying the wrong thing, I struggle with social anxiety.

Who are you heroes?

Martin Luther King
Nelson Mandela
Gandhi
Dalai Lama

Because I believe in unconditional love, peace and forgiveness. I accept everyone for who they are. Rather than judging and condemning people, love them for who they are and help them to be the best version of themselves.

Katie wished to conclude the interview by adding her favourite word:
“Cwtch, which is welsh for cuddle, people should cuddle more.”
Palm Cove Society

George Frost

George arrives at Palm Cove Society with a background not only in policing but also in supporting adult offenders in the community and within probation hostels. For the past 10 years, George has served as a police officer, specialising in organised crime, human trafficking, and county lines investigations. His focus has been on protecting vulnerable individuals caught up in these operations and disrupting criminal activities.

As our new Head of Safeguarding, George will oversee all safeguarding issues, ensuring that our clients receive the appropriate care and protection. He approaches these matters with both robustness and compassion. George collaborates with internal and external organisations to provide the best possible care for our clients.

George is a committed and enthusiastic advocate for a strong safeguarding approach, drawing upon his extensive prior experience to facilitate this mission.

enquiries@palmcovesociety.com

0113 230 2271

Marti di Martino

With over 12 years of expertise spanning homelessness services, substance misuse, working with perpetrators of domestic and sexual abuse within a criminal justice setting.  Marti brings invaluable insight to our team. Marti holds degrees in Criminology with Criminal Psychotherapy from Essex University and Forensic Psychology from Derby University.

As our Safeguarding and Wellbeing Manager, Marti plays a crucial role in ensuring the utmost care and protection for our clients. This includes co-leading the development of robust safeguarding policies, offering guidance on complex issues, and fostering collaboration across services to enhance client support. Marti also supports staff in safeguarding practices and promoting clients wellbeing, fostering a secure and supportive environment. Marti’s commitment is integral to our mission of creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for all clients at Palm Cove Society.

enquiries@palmcovesociety.com

0113 230 2271

Estelle Anekwe

In her role as Operations Manager for Palm Cove Society, Estelle is responsible for managing day-to-day operations within the organisation. Her role involves planning and implementing processes and procedures to improve quality, productivity and performance. In addition, Estelle’s role also includes the recruitment and management of staff.  Estelle works closely supporting our service managers who run our safehouses and outreach services and works in collaboration with Shilpa to ensure we deliver the best level of service to all clients and stakeholders.

enquiries@palmcovesociety.com

0113 230 2271

Gerard Stocks

Gerard Stocks is the Co- Founder and a Director of Palm Cove Society. Gerard has a financial background and has a logical and methodical approach in the workplace. Gerard is an entrepreneur who likes to help and empower people to be the best that they can be or want to be.

Palm Cove Society was incorporated on the 9th of March 2007 and from a standing start assisted the Founder of Palm Cove Society to build a company that has supported thousands of people throughout the years. Currently the organisation provides employment to 85 full time workers and is currently supporting 450 individuals (including children) daily.

Gerard is proud to have helped make a positive difference to people from over 100 countries. Gerard still has the appetite to grow the company further as it seeks to explore expansion by increasing the portfolio of Palm Cove Society nationally and internationally.

gerard.s@palmcovesociety.com

0113 230 2271

Yvonne Stocks DL

For the past 17 years, Yvonne Stocks DL has been the driving force behind the social enterprise ‘Palm Cove Society’ Community Interest Company, and is committed to the safeguarding, support and advocacy of vulnerable persons and survivors of abuse or crime,

As a social entrepreneur, Yvonne has many attributes that include business savviness, a 1st Class BSc Honours degree in Midwifery Studies and 23 years’ experience in social care. Committed to the provision of relevant and appropriate services for vulnerable persons and survivors of abuse or crime, by utilising a keen business sense, Yvonne works tirelessly to foster constructive collaborations with colleagues in partner agencies such as law enforcement, health services, local and central government, universities, faith groups, non-government organisations, charities and various like-minded individuals to raise awareness that inform research and policy. This ensures survivor related facilities are easily accessible where vulnerable persons and survivors of abuse or crime can be safely accommodated, supported and successfully reintegrated into communities.

Yvonne works tirelessly, stealthily and with purpose on behalf of service users and vulnerable persons to make their lives better. Yvonne cites “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others” Nelson Mandela.

yvonne.s@palmcovesociety.com

0113 230 2271

Jordan Alexander

As Finance Director, Michelle provides the company financial information needed to assist the Board when making decisions towards the company strategic plans and visions. 

As it is imperative that the financial records are accurate for reporting and filing purposes, Michelle oversees the day-to-day recording and monitoring of the financial transactions and information processed.  Another important part of her role is being responsible for the processing of the monthly payroll

enquiries@palmcovesociety.com

0113 230 2271

Michelle Hall

As Finance Director, Michelle provides the company financial information needed to assist the Board when making decisions towards the company strategic plans and visions. 

As it is imperative that the financial records are accurate for reporting and filing purposes, Michelle oversees the day-to-day recording and monitoring of the financial transactions and information processed.  Another important part of her role is being responsible for the processing of the monthly payroll

michelle.s@palmcovesociety.com

0113 230 2271

Karl Oxford

Karl has a background in community regeneration – supporting communities particularly affected by economic and social disadvantage, and has worked in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

He is the Director of UK, International, Enterprise and Enrichment initiatives. His role includes working with a wide range of external organisations and key stakeholder bodies to develop new and complimentary projects across his portfolio of responsibilities. His role as an Executive Director also includes joint oversight and management of the company.

enquiries@palmcovesociety.com

0113 230 2271

Shilpa Lakhnsi

In her role as Director of Operations for Palm Cove Society, Shilpa is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations alongside tactical and strategic aspects of the organisation. Her role requires close collaboration with our CEO, the rest of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and the Board to maintain an efficient and sustainable delivery model. This involves developing long-term operational strategies, including our vision for the future.

Shilpa’s role is pivotal, as it sits at the heart of the organisation, providing services with a keen focus on our clients and stakeholders. Prioritising a comprehensive consideration of all factors that impact the organisation’s success, Shilpa ensures we deliver the best level of service to all clients and stakeholders.

Before taking on this position, Shilpa held Senior Leadership roles in both commercial and charitable sectors.

enquiries@palmcovesociety.com

0113 230 2271

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Learn more about us

A social enterprise is an individual or organization that uses entrepreneurial methods and innovative solutions to tackle pressing social or environmental issues while also striving for financial sustainability, aiming to create positive and lasting impact in society or the environment.

Unfortunately, we are not a direct access hostel, as we receive all our accommodation referrals from contracted providers.

However, should you require advice on where you can access safe, appropriate housing, please feel free to give us a call and we will be more than happy to sign post you!

We support vulnerable adults including survivors of trafficking and slavery, individuals fleeing domestic abuse and forced marriage.

We provide emergency accommodation and financial support in addition to personalised 1-to-1 social support. All of our clients are allocated their own advocacy worker who will support them with their social recovery needs and reintegration into the community in a way that incorporates their own wishes and values.  

Safehouses are accommodation that are safe and secure, confidential locations to house those fleeing abuse, exploitation and trafficking. Safehouses are designed to be a safe space for individuals to call their home while they reflect and recover from their past experiences until they are ready to move on into their own home.

The National Referral Mechanism is the United Kingdom’s governmental framework used to identify and refer those who have been victim of trafficking and slavery into appropriate support services.

Slavery is a crime that covers various forms of exploitation; trafficking, slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, debt bondage and forced marriage. 

Trafficking is the act of transporting, recruiting, or harbouring human beings with the intention to exploit them. Exploitation can be in the form of; criminality, organ removal, forced labour/prostitution, forced marriage.

NRPF stands for No Recourse To Public Funds. A person will have NRPF if they are subject to immigration control. Having no recourse means that a person is not eligible to access public funds such as state benefits, local authority housing should they require it. However, there are some exceptions to this.