How one Sheffield charity has been helping survivors of trafficking rebuild their lives

After starting out without an office before managing to secure a permanent building some eight years later, one Sheffield charity has come a long way in helping survivors of trafficking.
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Last year, The Snowdrop Project had months to move out of its Mid City House location due to the regeneration taking place in the city and the building being demolished.

After a lot of campaigning and fundraising, the charity managed to buy a permanent building, providing much needed stability and security for clients.

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Charity chief executive Lara Bundock said: "A few years ago we dreamed of a building that would provide a sense of home for survivors of trafficking in the city; a place that can be relied upon to be a consistent and stable beacon of safety, security and hope.

Counselling waiting room at the Mid City House location.Counselling waiting room at the Mid City House location.
Counselling waiting room at the Mid City House location.

“We imagine this building will provide therapy, advocacy, community space, activities for adults and children, legal advice and education and employment opportunities.

“I am overwhelmingly excited to see the beginning of that dream realised with the help and support of so many people and I cannot wait to see the building take shape.

“Only five years ago we were providing support from an office in a cupboard under the stairs to about 10 people and now we have a place to call our own, last year supporting 167 adults and almost 80 dependents.”

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The Snowdrop Project, which is now located on Castle Street in the city centre, was launched in 2012 and supported just eight people then.

The Snowdrop Project offers English classes to service users.The Snowdrop Project offers English classes to service users.
The Snowdrop Project offers English classes to service users.

The idea for the charity was borne out of Lara’s experiences of working in Government safe houses, describing how it ‘opened my eyes’.

She explained: “Very quickly I learnt that we can barely imagine some of the atrocious acts that one person can do to another, and when you hear it first-hand you have a choice; you can either choose to look the other way, or you can move closer.”

Lara chose to do something about it and with the help of others, the first stage of the Snowdrop Project was created.

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Specialising in addressing the current gap in long-term support for survivors of human trafficking in the UK, it ran for three years with no income or proper office space and relied on the support of volunteers and the community.

Volunteers help with renovations for survivors' homes.Volunteers help with renovations for survivors' homes.
Volunteers help with renovations for survivors' homes.

Over the years, demand for support increased, meaning fundraising has played an important part in keeping services running for those who depend on it.

Christmas campaigns, sponsored marathons and other events are just some of the fundraisers that have taken place over the years.

The Snowdrop Project recognises that every person is different and recovery times may vary between individuals.

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For service users, there have been a range of activities and classes to help them on their journey to recovery, from sewing classes to toddler groups for those with children.

The Snowdrop Project team.The Snowdrop Project team.
The Snowdrop Project team.

Usually, a Christmas party is put on for clients, however, as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, gift bags will be given instead this year, which people are encouraged to get involved with.

For more information, see: www.snowdropproject.co.uk/

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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