Preston group fighting modern slavery with a hair-raising music fundraiser

Amanda Brooks will have her head shaved at the event, if she reaches her donations target

A Preston group that works to end modern slavery is hosting a music fundraiser for the cause.

The Preston Hope for Justice Abolition Group has organised the Hair-raiser for Hope for Justice, which is set to include a charity head shave.

Live music will come from the Lancashire Schools Jazz Orchestra, and group member Amanda Brooks will be having her head shaved if she exceeds her fundraising target.

Jennifer Tidy from the Preston Abolition Group said: “We’re fundraising in aid of Hope for Justice, which exists to bring an end to modern slavery and human trafficking by preventing exploitation, rescuing victims, restoring lives and reforming society.

“Modern slavery is a massive issue happening globally, including here in the UK in manual labour and construction firms, car washes, nail bars, massage parlours and hotels, to name a few. It’s estimated that 24.9 million people are in forced labour, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude worldwide.”

The Preston Abolition Group meets one evening a month at Crossgate Church’s Landmark building. Members offer their time, practical abilities and financial support to the cause.

The Hair-raiser for Hope for Justice is their latest fund-raising event. It’s taking place on Friday 11 October from 7.30pm to 10pm at Landmark, St Mary’s Street North. Tickets are £10 and can be purchased online. For more information join the Facebook event. To donate to Amanda’s fundraising, visit her JustGiving page.

Jennifer said: “We are part of a growing movement of people who believe in the importance of social action. People who identify with the Hope for Justice Ethos: ‘Freedom is worth the fight. Justice is non-negotiable. Refusal to abandon the least, the last and the lost’.

“As a group we have raised approximately £8,000 over the ten years we have been supporting Hope for Justice. We have also assisted with modern slavery cases including helping a trafficked person in Preston with medical care, food, clothing and a home until Hope for Justice flew him back home to his family.

“At our meetings we have an update on rescues by the Hope for Justice team, celebrate fundraising activities, share what we can do to raise more awareness and funds, and pray for the Hope for Justice team, the victims, the legal department and the people who provide the aftercare.”

In between meetings, group members speak at various venues, churches and youth groups in the Preston area. They attend conferences and seminars run by the police and social services in Preston, and raise awareness on local radio and TV. Various fundraising activities are organised including cake sales, sponsored walks, and selling donated items.

To find out more or get involved with the Preston group, email hopeforjusticepreston@hotmail.com.

Visit the Hope for Justice website for more information about modern slavery, including how to spot the signs of human trafficking and report a concern.

Will you be going to Hair-raiser for Hope for Justice? What do you think of the Preston Abolition Group’s work? Let us know in the comments below.