"On the road" with SSO

Since January 2014, Survivors Speak OUT (SSO) has had a busy few months, speaking to over 160 students at seven universities across the country including Manchester, Nottingham, the London School of Economics, Kings College London and Reading on topics including: the effect of torture on society; the practical work of human rights defenders and the challenges they face; and the impact of advocacy work...

During a weekend course run by MEDSIN Manchester, SSO reached a new audience of medical students by speaking about the impact of poverty on the health of those seeking protection in the UK.

SSO's aim in speaking to students is to raise  awareness and influence among the professionals of the future so they will spread the word about the existence of torture. We want passionate individuals to join SSO in its aim to end torture; and dispel myths and generate understanding about those seeking protection and what they face in doing so, here in the UK.

Perhaps the best example of SSO's impact amongst youth was the final talk in this season of youth engagement at Reading University, where the STAR group was established by an inspired student who heard SSO Network Coordinator Kolbassia speak at last year's STAR National Conference.

It was very important for us to hear firsthand about the serious challenges you have faced, and about the inspiring efforts of SSO.

Dr Rachel Ibreck, Lecturer at the University of London

As Communications and Survivor Activism Intern, I have worked with SSO on speaker outreach since August 2013, but even after hearing many SSO talks, each one still inspires and surprises me and I often recognise this reaction in the faces of audience members; and sincerely hope they go on to spread the word to their family, friends and colleagues.

What really 'hits home' is hearing about the personal impact of seeking protection in the UK. SSO's insights provide a powerful indictment of the often inhospitable atmosphere facing those who have fled persecution – many of whom are detained, disbelieved and vilified during their hour of need. Every SSO talk shines a light on the truth behind the misleading tabloid headlines and often peddled myths. Every time I feel disappointment at the failures of successive governments to adequately protect those who seek sanctuary from persecution, and anger that such injustice is occurring on behalf of us all. But most importantly, these feelings motivate me to spread the word, advocate for change and engage on social media about these issues.

As spring blossoms (hopefully with little delay) into summer, and students turn their attentions to assessments, in the coming months SSO will build on last year's successes, focusing its advocacy efforts on the Foreign Secretary's Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative, and awareness raising with the Home Office's Asylum Intake Unit.

Don't fear though, SSO will be back on university campuses and in schools in the Autumn term so if you would like to hear SSO speak just contact us on email ([email protected]), Twitter or Facebook today!