Legal Specialists Advise On Creation of Sheffield-Based Charity

A new organisation set up to provide long-term assistance to survivors of human trafficking has formally launched in Sheffield, after legal experts at Irwin Mitchell provided support to help the body gain official charity status.

The Snowdrop Project has been established to support and empower survivors of human trafficking to take steps to come to terms with their ordeal, but also move forward and get the best from their lives.

The organisation grew out of work done by Sheffield-based Lara Bundock and Rachel Medina, in response to growing concern around the lack of long-term support available to survivors of trafficking after they have left short-term government-funded shelter accommodation.

The new organisation, which is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) regulated by the Charity Commission will give Lara, Rachel and the charity’s trustees a vehicle which will support fundraising and the delivery of support to survivors of trafficking.  This is one of the first charities of its kind in the UK to focus on the long-term reintegration of survivors.

Lara Bundock, chief executive officer of the Snowdrop Charity, said: “Survivors of human trafficking suffer unbelievable physical and psychological trauma from which some may never fully recover, but sadly Government support on this matter is only available for up to 45 days.

“Our focus is on ensuring that survivors have longer-lasting support and access to key services such as counselling, advocacy and legal advice which will mean they are not forgotten after that initial period. We are absolutely delighted that the charity is now formally registered, as this means we are able to work more effectively than ever to support these survivors.

“We would also like to thank Irwin Mitchell for their continued support and assistance, in helping us take this critical step.”

Irwin Mitchell Partner Laurence Gavin and Associate Mark Evans advised the charity on its set-up and formal registration as a CIO. Both are based in the law firm’s Sheffield office and focus on commercial and regulatory work for clients in the corporate, public and third sectors.

Expert Opinion

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"The Snowdrop Project is a fantastic organisation which will benefit a huge number of people and we are delighted to have been involved in its establishment. We wish Lara and the team the very best of luck for the future with their incredibly important work to help survivors of human trafficking to enjoy a fresh start in life." Mark Evans - Associate