Jumping in to support the Ruby Project

On Saturday, 13 September, friends of The Ruby Project will tackle an extraordinary 5-kilometre inflatable obstacle course, bouncing, climbing, and sliding their way through challenges to support women who face significant hardships every day.
 

This fundraising challenge isn’t about personal achievement – it’s about creating pathways for women trapped in cycles of exploitation, trauma, and desperation. The Ruby Project transforms lives by offering genuine alternatives to survival strategies like sex work, providing comprehensive support that addresses root causes rather than just symptoms. 

The reality behind the need 

Women enter the sex industry for complex reasons – often stemming from childhood trauma, addiction, homelessness, or economic desperation. Without the right support systems, these vulnerable individuals face seemingly insurmountable obstacles to building stable, fulfilling lives. 

The Ruby Project recognises that effective support requires more than temporary assistance. True transformation demands comprehensive trauma–informed care that addresses housing, mental health, addiction recovery, education, job training, and emotional healing. 

Bea’s story: from survival to transformation 

Bea’s* story illustrates both the vulnerability that leads to exploitation and the power of comprehensive support. At just 15 years old, with no family or guidance system, the sex industry became her only perceived means of survival.

“I grew up in care, without family, without support, and that kind of isolation can break you down. I was introduced to the sex industry at 15. It wasn’t something I wanted, but circumstances pushed me there, and I had nobody. I heard about The Ruby Project from other girls. I had no one else, and I needed help. They were kind and caring in a way I hadn’t known before. I felt like I could talk to them, open up about things I had kept hidden for so long, and I wasn’t used to that. I wasn’t used to feeling safe enough to share.

Now my life has changed. They’ve helped me get clean, and I’ve been off the streets for nearly six years. The Ruby Project saved me, and I hope you keep doing what you’re doing. The streets need you, and the girls need you even more.” 

Through The Ruby Project’s long–term support that addressed her complex needs, Bea began transforming her life. Today, she represents hope – proof that with the right support, women can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. 

Called to love 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Matthew 22:30 – 31 

This scripture is at the heart of The Ruby Project’s work. Loving our neighbours as ourselves means recognising that women in exploitation deserve the same opportunities for healing, dignity, and purpose that we would want for ourselves or our loved ones. 

Supporting women through complex trauma, addiction, and systemic barriers requires patience, resources, and unwavering commitment. Yet this work embodies Christ’s heart for those who are stigmatised and overlooked, demonstrating God’s love through practical action. 

Your support creates lasting change 

Every pound contributed directly impacts women’s lives. Your support represents belief in these women’s potential for healing and growth – an investment in comprehensive solutions rather than temporary fixes. 

Prayer support is equally vital. The emotional, spiritual, and psychological aspects of recovery require both prayerful and practical support, creating spiritual protection for both the women receiving support and the staff providing it. 

Will you stand with us as we share God’s transformative love through practical action? Will you help us prove that with proper support, every woman can discover her God-given purpose? 

You can show your support and sponsor the incredible team here!

Ruby Team is fundraising for Church Army 

*Name has been changed to protect identity