Programmes & Referrals

Programme Pathway

The Flowers for the Future programme is a nine-month journey designed to support survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking.

This programme prepares participants for future employment, education and training opportunities, whilst strengthening their sense of wellbeing, belonging and community. We begin by building confidence and creating a foundation of safety. From there, participants develop essential skills for both work and everyday life.

Throughout the programme, we support participants in preparing for employment, training, and the future - fostering restoration, empowerment, and hope.

  • 1. Floristry & Prevocational Skills: May-July

    Participants will be invited to attend 12 workshops designed to help them learn basic floristry skills and to understand how the floristry industry works.

    Participants will also learn additional key prevocational skills to help prepare them for work or training in the future. These sessions aim to build confidence and life skills and are designed as practical group workshops led by experienced session leaders.

    Upon completion of the workshops, participants will receive a certificate.

  • 2. Work Experience: July-November

    Each participant will be given the opportunity to complete a work experience placement with a well-known and well-established florist in London.

    The environment will be safe and supportive, and give participants the chance to practise their floristry skills and feel confident and capable in a work-based setting.

    Placement days can be up to two days each week for six weeks. No right to work is required.

    After the placement, participants will receive a reference letter.

  • 3. Mentoring: July-December

    Participants are also offered one-to-one support from a professional mentor.

    This support continues for six months after they finish the in-person programme componenets.

    Participants will have the opportunity to have one session each month for six months.

    Sessions can take place in person or online.

  • 4. Alumni Programme: Ongoing

    After completing the programme, participants graduate and become a part of our growing Alumni community.

    Alumni are invited to monthly events include social days out, floristry practice sessions, wellbeing and key skill building workshops.

    These sessions are also hosted to provide continued development and connection with other women who have been on the course.

Contact us for more information

Who is the programme for?

We welcome 15 women onto Flowers for the Future every year.

The purpose of the programme is to help modern slavery survivors experience restoration and empowerment by developing their wellbeing, community and a range of practical skills.

The programme is designed for women who: 

  • Are survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking 

  • Are interested in creative work with flowers 

  • Want to build confidence, skills, and future opportunities 

  • Can commit to regular attendance and active participation

Referrals for the next cohort will open in February 2027.

The programme is free of charge and travel costs are covered where needed.

“Strength & Stem support women to regain their identity and understand the value they can bring. The unique element that Strength & Stem offer is an environment that is supportive and understanding, allowing survivors to lead the way. ”
— Manager, Hestia
Learn more about the programme

Referrals

Referrals are now closed for 2026 and will reopen in February 2027

The Referral Process & Key Dates

Applications to the Flowers for the Future programme begin with the submission of a referral form by a professional support worker or referring organisation. The form should be completed by the referring professional, working alongside the applicant where possible. The information provided helps Strength & Stem assess whether the programme is a good fit and to shortlist applicants for interview. Shortlisted applicants, along with their referee, will be invited to an informal interview as part of the selection process. 

Referral timeline:

  • Referrals open: February 2027 

  • Referrals close: March 2027

  • Interviews: April 2027

  • Programme acceptance confirmed by: End of April 2027

  • Programme begins: May 2027 

Working in Partnership

Referring organisations are expected to work in partnership with Strength & Stem by: 

  • Maintaining regular communication throughout the programme 

  • Providing ongoing support to the participant alongside Strength & Stem 

  • Supporting attendance, engagement, and wellbeing where needed 

Questions or Support

If you have any questions about the programme, please contact us at  programme.team@strengthandstem.com

Contact Us

  • "I’ve never felt so good in my life. When you work with the beautiful flowers it makes you forget everything"

    2024 Graduate

  • "It's better than therapy"

    2023 Graduate

  • "Your care is helping me to be strong. When I wear my Strength & Stem bag, I feel proud. When I come here, I feel relaxed, its like a barrier comes up that keeps the bad things away"

    2024 Graduate

  • "We support each other to have a beautiful community. Strength & Stem helped us in a friendly way to see what we could actually do. I felt free to be loved in my own way. It has shown me that I am capable of doing something in my life"

    2024 Graduate

  • "Working with flowers makes me feel alive. Slowly, slowly it changes me"

    2022 Graduate

  • "I am very happy and very excited to learn because this is my future dream to have a business doing weddings"

    2022 Graduate

  • "I've been through a lot in my life, but finding something that can help, and a place where you can have fun and meet new people... it's a big help. We're like sisters"

    2022 Graduate