Hope for Justice, a charity that supports survivors of modern slavery throughout the UK, has been awarded a grant of £25,000 from the Morrisons Foundation.

The donation will contribute to the work of the charity’s ‘Independent Modern Slavery Advocates’ who provide a combination of legal and social support to victims of modern slavery. This essential support will provide their clients with a voice, life-choices and a platform to rebuild their lives.

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in demand for services from the charity’s advocacy team, with clients struggling to access basic food supplies, including provisions to self-isolate and protect themselves during the pandemic.

Hannah Symons, Corporate & Supporter Relations Manager at Hope for Justice, said:

We want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to The Morrisons Foundation for this funding grant that will provide essential food deliveries to survivors of modern slavery who we are supporting at this particularly difficult time.

We support a huge number of survivors – every time we rescue someone from modern slavery, we add an opened padlock to our Freedom Wall. Many of the survivors we help face significant barriers to obtaining groceries at the moment, as they do not necessarily have the financial means, technology, language skills or resources to do online shopping without support.

Our specialists have been spending a lot of time on food shopping for them, but this grant will allow our team to focus instead on longer-term support such as legal assistance, benefits, housing, and helping survivors through the criminal and civil justice processes. This grant will make a huge difference!

David Scott, Morrisons Foundation Trustee said:

Morrisons is committed to supporting people who are most in need in our society.  We recognise that those who are already vulnerable are at a particular risk to the coronavirus as they find it difficult to access basic essentials such as healthy food and medicinal products, as well as get the information, support and advice they need during these challenging times.  I’m delighted that the Morrisons Foundation has been able to provide the donation of £25,000 to help fund the charity’s vital work to provide support to those who need it most.

The Morrisons Foundation was set up by Morrisons supermarket in 2015 and awards grants for charity projects which help improve people’s lives.  Since launching over £29 million has been donated to hundreds of charities across England, Scotland and Wales.

Local charities are encouraged to visit www.morrisonsfoundation.com to find out how to apply for a grant.

Photo: Hope for Justice Freedom Wall

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