Why was the Snowdrop Project set up?
The Snowdrop Project was formed in 2012, founded by volunteers to provide long-term support for individuals who had experienced modern slavery. The name was chosen by the first group of clients as ‘Snowdrop’ symbolises resilience and new beginnings. Since then, the charity has supported over 800 survivors across South Yorkshire.
What services do you provide to survivors?
Snowdrop supports and empowers survivors of modern slavery and exploitation in South Yorkshire to recover from their experiences and rebuild their lives. We do this by providing a holistic package of support, which includes casework, counselling, complementary therapies, community activities, and house renovations. Our services are free to access, and clients can receive support for as long as they wish.
Caseworkers help clients navigate their next steps, including housing, education, benefits, legal issues, or police investigations. Snowdrop’s counselling service supports survivors in processing the psychological impacts of their exploitation. Our complementary therapies – including trauma-informed yoga, shiatsu, and acupuncture – work alongside counselling to help clients feel calmer.
Community activities such as our weekly toddlers group, sewing classes, English lessons, and digital skills classes help survivors build confidence, meet new people, and reintegrate into the community. Finally, we support the transition to independent living by cleaning, decorating, and furnishing survivors’ accommodation.
What are some of the charity's proudest achievements?
We’ve achieved many milestones over the last 13 years. We’ve seen individuals arrive at Snowdrop with no money, serious mental health issues, no permanent accommodation, ongoing legal battles, and no hope for the future. Yet these same clients have left our support systems with newfound confidence, future plans, and the ability to manage everyday life. It’s an honour to walk alongside such resilient, tenacious, and inspirational individuals. In 2024, 123 survivors accessed support through our casework service, 36 accessed specialist counselling, and 110 adults took part in community activities.
How can businesses get involved and help the Snowdrop Project?
We have lots of ways for businesses and individuals to get involved and support Snowdrop!
In September, we’re organising a tandem skydive from 15,000 ft to raise vital funds for survivors – you can take part individually or as a group with your colleagues.
On Saturday 18 October, we’re marking Anti-Slavery Day with an abseil challenge at Sheffield Hallam University’s iconic Owen Building. There are only 45 places available, and spots are starting to fill up, so book soon if you’d like to join individually or with colleagues.
Finally, in May 2026, we’re offering the chance to take part in a four-day cycling challenge across the UK – a fantastic opportunity for colleagues to give back and take on something new together. Find out more at www.snowdropproject.co.uk/events.
We also have wonderful partnerships with businesses of all sizes across the region. By partnering with Snowdrop, you’ll be letting survivors know there are organisations that care about them. We offer three different packages, depending on the level of commitment your business can make. You can find out more at www.snowdropproject.co.uk/corporate-partnerships. Each package includes opportunities to volunteer through our monthly renovation project, giving you and your colleagues the chance to make a tangible difference by transforming a house into a home for a survivor.
Why is it so important to support Snowdrop?
Modern slavery is happening all around us – including in Sheffield. It could be taking place in a home on your street, or at a car wash, nail salon, or restaurant. It could be affecting the cleaner in your office or the person working in your local shop. It’s impossible to know the full extent of this hidden crime, but an estimated 122,000 people are currently living in modern slavery in the UK – that’s more than half the number of people who attend Glastonbury Festival.
Snowdrop is committed to ensuring every survivor has access to the support they need to process their experiences and build brighter futures. However, Snowdrop simply wouldn’t exist without our supporters – we depend on fundraising and donations to fund our services. We’re extremely grateful for all forms of support.
If you or your business would like to find out more about working with Snowdrop, please email us at fundraising@snowdropproject.co.uk. We’re always happy to chat!
