A CHARITY working in West Yorkshire has supported more than 60 victims and survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking with support from the Mayor of West Yorkshire's Safer Communities Fund.

Thanks to the Mayor, Tracy Brabin’s, fund, which takes money seized from criminal activities and gives it to projects that are making their communities safer, Hope for Justice has reached 285 people and supported 63 victims and survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking.

The charity, which aims to eradicate modern slavery, has used their grant to help fund a multi-lingual Community Engagement Specialist, to purchase essential equipment and to enable the delivery of outreach sessions.

These sessions are delivered for the benefit of at-risk groups to raise awareness of the signs of modern slavery, as Hope for Justice works within communities to encourage reporting and bring attention to support services.

Alison Lowe OBE, West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “We’re proud to be taking money from criminals to support projects that are transforming lives.

“If you or someone you know is being exploited, please come forward and report it. Help is available.”

Kerry Brighouse, UK Programme Director for Hope for Justice, said: “The money from the Mayor's Safer Communities Fund has been hugely beneficial for the work of Hope for Justice’s West Yorkshire Hub.”