Jenny Gilpin of City Hearts tells unLTD how her ‘heart for humanity’ helped her found the Sheffield headquartered organisation which is one of the UK’s leading anti-trafficking charities
I was inspired to start my business by …
My own story. I knew I was adopted, but discovered at age 27 that I was the baby of a gang rape. I had to overcome a lot of issues on my own, an experience which drove me to start an organisation to help young women overcome life-controlling issues such as addictions and eating disorders. In 2010, we became part of the government’s first anti-trafficking contract and have helped thousands since.
My favourite thing about running my business is …
Seeing people’s lives turned around – traumatised people being given their life back, mums loving babies they conceived from abusers. Their stories make you want to keep going.
The three words that best describe my business are …
Deliverers, freedom and restoration.
Sheffield City Region is a great place to start a business because …
There is a body of men and women who have a passion for looking after others, it’s our church base and we responded to the need on our doorstep.
The best advice I ever got was …
Never give up. If you keep doing something long enough, you’ll get there.
The worst advice I ever got was …
Along the same lines – just give up! People have a lot to say when they are not in your position. One of the most useful skills I have learnt is to hold my tongue until the right time. I remember being told ‘You’re not capable of or qualified for this work’, but my heart for humanity standing against trafficking qualified me. We hire in experience, but all our team must have the right heart.
The organisations that have supported me and my business include …
The Co-op, Salvation Army and Police have been amazing. Retailers like Sainsbury’s, John Lewis and Body Shop have also been so generous … in fact, there are too many to count! The members of Hope City Church are amazing people got completely behind City Hearts and found every penny to start the work.
The main challenges facing my industry/sector are …
Misunderstanding of survivors’ situations – for example being sent back to their country of origin is often not possible due to re-trafficking or even death.
In 5 years’ time I expect my business to …
Be an increased encouragement to many other like-minded organisations. I’m sure if we link hands, so much more can be achieved. For our Christmas campaign this year, we are inviting unLTD readers to drop hats, scarves and gloves for men and women into The Megacentre, Bernard Road, just off Park Square. To volunteer or donate see www.cityhearts.co.uk/getinvolved.
