
Sophie Hayes Foundation Freedom Quilt
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Each square on this incredible quilt was made by current, past participants and graduates of Sophie Hayes Foundation employability programme.
Each square on this incredible quilt was made by current, past participants and graduates of Sophie Hayes Foundation employability programme. Sophie Hayes Foundation was founded in 2011 following Sophie’s escape as a victim of human trafficking and her determination to help other women survive and thrive. Created using Liberty’s iconic fabrics, every square made by the participating women in London, Birmingham and Manchester represents their past and future hopes and dreams.
The story and process of the Freedom Quilt being completed is one of empowerment, reflection and growth. Female survivors are not only learning a new skill as part of their journey to independence, they are also able to express themselves. The International Slavery Museum is positive that the 100 women taking part will make something incredibly powerful, and no doubt beautiful together, from the materials kindly provided by Liberty and with the guidance of expert quilter Jenni Smith. The final piecing together of the squares will be a poignant message of strength and unity.
Sophie Hayes Foundation is a manifestation of the ripple effects from one survivor, Sophie, a British girl trafficked to Italy for sexual exploitation, who founded the organisation in 2011. Sophie has gone on to thrive and is no longer directly involved in the Foundation, but her legacy continues. The Freedom Quilt is mark of achievement and success of the last 10 years of the Sophie Hayes Foundation and the starting point for the next decade of working towards sustainable freedom and independence.
The Freedom Quilt will be on display at International Slavery Museum from 14 October.