Programmes & Referrals
Programme Pathway
The Flowers for the Future programme is a nine-month journey (outlined below) 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Who is the programme for?
We welcome 15 women to our holistic employability and skills training programme every year and the 2026 programme will run from May to December 2026, dates to be confirmed.
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 2026 will be open until Wednesday 25th March.
“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. ”
Referrals
Referrals are now open
Referrals are now open for Flowers for the Future, an eight-month, trauma-informed programme for female survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking.
Please note our referrals close on Wednesday 25th March.
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: Wednesday 25 February 2026
Referrals close: Wednesday 25 March 2026
Interviews: Weeks commencing 23 and 30 March 2026
Programme acceptance confirmed by: Friday 9 April 2026
Programme begins: Friday 1 May 2026
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
About the Programme
Flowers for the Future is an eight-month, trauma-informed programme designed to support women survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery to build confidence, skills, and pathways towards employment.
The programme includes:
Vocational floristry skills training — 6 Fridays across May, June, and July
Pre-vocational and wellbeing skills training — 6 Fridays across May, June, and July
Mentoring — 6 one-to-one sessions over six months (July–December)
Floristry-based work experience — Up to 12 days over 6–12 weeks (August–December)
Ongoing alumni community & peer support — Monthly sessions from August onwards
The programme is free of charge and travel costs are covered where needed.
Who the Programme Is For
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
Questions or Support
If you have any questions about the programme or referral process or would like to discuss whether the programme is a good fit for someone you support, please contact us at programme.team@strengthandstem.com