Hestia is pleased to have been chosen as The Diocese of Southwark's Christmas card charity!

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The Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation department are pleased to be able to recommend Hestia as the charity for us to support this year as our Christmas card charity. Hestia’s offices are literally across the road from Trinity House, so are very much a local charity with many of their local projects located in our Diocesan areas.

We are particularly keen to recommend their work on Modern Slavery where they are on the front line in providing care on the ground for people who have been rescued and have been through the NRM* process. They are also involved in campaigning, research, advocating for justice and changes in policy to raise awareness of the issue of modern slavery.

We are encouraging parishes to establish links with Hestia projects in a personal way. There are for instance 5 women from Hestia's safe houses who have just started attending an ESOL class in a parish.

*The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is a framework for identifying victims of human trafficking or modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support.

A key worker from Hestia said:

I could fill your class with the many isolated and lonely clients that we work with. These women are struggling to get their lives back together and the community feel of the project is just what they need and love, giving them a warm connection. Otherwise they just see each other, their key workers and other people who have to help them rather than wanting to be a friend.’

Rosemarie Mallett, Director Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation Department said:

‘Hestia works with adults and children facing some of the most challenging and disabling aspects of social and structural injustice, inequality and crises of our time, including modern slavery, homelessness, poor mental health and domestic abuse.  JPIC hopes that by supporting and working with Hestia we can assist in making a difference to those people's lives.’

Ruth Martin, Diocesan Secretary said:

‘I am delighted that we are supporting Hestia, a charity based locally to Trinity House and focusing on alleviating the terrible suffering of modern day slavery. I hope all colleagues will be encouraged to contribute’,

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