Choosing to believe or not believe in a religion is a fundamental human right.

Unfortunately, this right is not afforded to everyone, and leaving a high control religion can be a complicated, challenging, and dangerous process.

​Those who leave their religion are often branded as ‘apostates’. This label can bring shame and dishonour to a family, and as a result apostates will often experience emotional and physical abuse.

For those who stay with their families there is a risk of physical abuse, and in extreme cases, this can escalate to murder - also known as honour killing.

This year, North East Humanists is fundraising £1,000 for Faith to Faithless as its named charity of the year, Humanists UK’s support programme for those who leave or want to leave high-control religions and cults or have suffered after leaving their religion behind.

Faith to Faithless needs your support more than ever – so it can continue to help those who desperately want and need to escape religious abuse.

£1,000 will help to raise awareness of apostasy and support victims of religious abuse and high-control environments. Your donation will fund this vital work in the North East:

• Public events to discuss apostasy related issues, hosting speakers who have left all of the major religions, academics, and professionals with expertise in related areas.
• Supporting apostates with regular meet-ups and opportunities to talk to like-minded people.
• Using social media to raise awareness and enable followers to learn about apostasy in real time.
• Providing safeguarding training designed for frontline services to support them with best practice to recognise and safeguard vulnerable apostates.
• Hosting peer support groups that provide therapy and support to the most vulnerable apostates in the North East.

Any funds raised over our target will fund Faith to Faithless and Humanists UK’s wider national work for a kinder, more rational society.

I hope you can support our important work by donating to this appeal today!