Modern slavery charity Snowdrop Project has partnered with Run for All Sheffield Half Marathon charity to raise £6,000 at next month’s race.
Rosie Brent-Turner, Donor Relations and Communications Manager for the Snowdrop Project, said: “All money raised through the Sheffield Half Marathon will go towards supporting more survivors of modern slavery and exploitation on their journeys towards recovery.”
As there is a lack of support for modern slavery survivors through the NHS, the charity has seen a 263 percent increase in referrals to their counselling service in the last year. This increase has been aided by their ability to provide interpreting and childcare.
In 2023, the charity helped 274 adults and 119 children begin the road to recovery after being affected by exploitation.
The Snowdrop Project’s support for victims of modern slavery is free of charge and includes shiatsu, acupuncture, trauma-informed yoga and art therapy, counselling and community activities.
Activities such as sewing classes, dance sessions and jewellery making provide a place for survivors to meet new people and learn new skills in a safe and welcoming setting.
Ms Brent-Turner said: “We often see drastic improvements in the well-being and confidence of clients and their children after attending community activities. We try to remove as many barriers as possible for individuals to attend.”
The charity hopes to spread awareness of modern slavery and exploitation on the day of the Sheffield Half Marathon by having every runner wearing a branded Snowdrop Project logo. They will also have a stand at the race where they’ll educate people on the work they do and the issue of modern slavery more generally.
Ms Brent-Turner said: “Last year, we supported more survivors than ever before, and this year we expect the demand for our services to increase again. Fundraisers such as the Sheffield Half are crucial ways of raising vital funds and awareness of the work we do.”
To read more about the Snowdrop Project’s work visit: https://www.snowdropproject.co.uk/
And you can donate to Snowdrop Project’s JustGiving page on: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/halfmarathon2024
