A MAN from Bromsgrove is gearing up to join a relay swim across the English Channel to raise vital funds for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking.
Bromsgrove resident Jared Hodgson, CEO of national anti-slavery charity Hope at Home, will join his organisations relay team on the gruelling 21-mile open-water swim.
Weather conditions play a major factor in the timing of a channel crossing attempt meaning the team have a one-week window (June 16 to 22) in which they could embark on their challenge.
“People fleeing war, persecution and trafficking are often left with no safe options. Many are exploited along the way or forced into unsafe journeys just to survive,” said Jared.
“Swimming the Channel is a physical challenge, but it’s nothing compared to the journeys our guests have made.”
“Each person we support is someone’s sister, brother, son or daughter and I often think, what lengths would I go to in order to support my kids if they were in such a situation?”
Hope at Home is the UK’s only charity dedicated to hosting adult survivors of modern slavery. They have recently reached a powerful milestone – over 13,000 nights of safe sleep have now been provided through its network of volunteer hosts. The charity is now set to expand its provision into housing solutions in the near future.
Hope at Home supports survivors like Francisco, who was street homeless after escaping exploitation.
After moving in with a host through Hope at Home, he found work, began saving for private accommodation and now looks forward to a future free from fear.
The funds raised by the channel swim will allow the charity to expand its hosting model and wellbeing support package, covering trauma recovery, therapy, fitness and community reintegration, so more survivors can rebuild their lives in safety.
Hope at Home urgently needs more support to meet growing demand, and Jared’s swim is both a fundraising mission and a call to action.
“This isn’t just about swimming. It’s about standing up for dignity, for compassion and for the right to be safe,” Jared added. “We hope this challenge inspires people to donate or even consider becoming a host themselves.”
So far the swim relay team – which includes Jared, Hannah, Sue, Alex, Mithil, and Benjamin (pictured) – have received nearly £3,000 towards their £7,500 goal, thanks to 60 generous donors.
Visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/hopeathomechannelswim to donate. Visit www.hopeathome.org.uk/ for more information.
