On Friday 1 August 2025, the Innovations Department within the Modern Slavery Response Service (MSRS) organised our first “Summer Fair”. The aim of this event was to engage service users with activities and programmes on offer within Hestia, to increase participation in the activities we run. The event was a success, with 29 service users and 14 children attending.

 

Hestia colleagues from various departments joined us on the day. They held stalls and spoke with our service users, promoting their programmes and activities. A big thank you to the Activity Coordinator and colleagues from the Befriending Service, Child & Family Programme, and Empowered Voices within our service (MSRS), and to those from the Together Network, Children Wellbeing Practitioners team, and the Volunteering team.

  

 

We also run three joyful activities, including a stunning performance by the Hestia Choir, a mini golf tournament for adults and children, and an Art is Freedom painting taster session.

 

 

Everyone had fun, learnt something new about Hestia and left with bags full of gifts! After the event, a service user told us:

 

"I really enjoyed the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with so many different people. The stalls were great, and the activities were really engaging. It was lovely to see families and communities coming together.

 I had a much clearer understanding of the breadth of services Hestia offers. I hadn’t realised how many different areas you work in, from supporting victims of modern slavery to mental health services. It was eye-opening and inspiring to learn more about the impact you’re making."

 

What a fun day that was!

 

Ilaria Ferrari, Innovations Manager