Our mission
The Holos Foundation is driven by a vision to help break the cycle of exploitation and trauma through holistic support.
Modern slavery is a hidden crisis affecting tens of thousands in the UK alone. For survivors, escaping exploitation is just the beginning — many face complex challenges like ongoing criminal cases, language and cultural barriers, lack of autonomy, uncertainty, navigating complex social care and support systems, to name a few. Without means to financial independence, community or confidence to rebuild their lives, survivors face risk of further exploitation due to their inherently vulnerable situations. which can leave them at risk of being re-trafficked.
For any individuals who have been subject to exploitation and trauma, the journey of rebuilding their lives is a long and challenging one. Here at the Holos Foundation we seek to offer support for these individuals through a holistic lens. Holos is a Greek word meaning "whole"—a reflection of our vision to see lives restored to wholeness. We believe healing is not one-dimensional—it touches the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual parts of who we are.
Our current reach is through our partnership with Holos Kombucha a social impact kombucha business that provides paid work placements to individuals who have experienced exploitation and trauma.
The Holos Foundation exists to support the additional needs of these participants, helping to strengthen their journey toward healing and independence through practical care and personal support.
Guided by the individual needs of Holos Kombucha participants and our charity partners, we offer tailored, hard-to-fund support—helping each person rebuild their life, step by step.
You can learn more about the work of Holos Kombucha here.
Our story
Our founders, Naomi and Megan, met Maya on the streets of Cambodia, where she was caught in exploitation. In a simple conversation, Maya shared her passion for nail art. With just a small gesture—a nail kit and the chance to offer paid manicures in a hotel lobby—they helped her start something of her own. Within a year, Maya’s life had transformed. She was off the streets, her children were in school, and she had a stable income.
That moment sparked a vision: to create a space where survivors of exploitation and trauma could rebuild their lives through meaningful work and holistic support. Back in the UK, Naomi and Megan with their co-founders turned that vision into reality with Holos Kombucha, running paid work placements for survivors of exploitation and trauma. in 2024 they established The Holos Foundation to provide additional support to these participants and stepped into the role of trustees.
What we do
When our story started with Maya, we saw the need for ongoing support as survivors of exploitation and trauma rebuilt their lives. Here are a few of the ways we provide that support for those in our care back in the UK.
Physical Support
We meet people in their most practical places of need—whether it's access to food, safe shelter, or reliable transport. By providing support with basic necessities, we help individuals create the stability they need to begin rebuilding their lives with confidence and hope.
Mental Growth & Opportunity
We believe in the power of purpose and potential. That’s why we create pathways to meaningful work, education, and entrepreneurship—giving individuals the tools they need to grow, learn, and lead. Whether it’s reskilling, mentoring, or helping someone start a small business, we walk alongside people as they unlock their capacity and pursue a more hope-filled future.
Emotional Wellbeing
We have a heart for healing. Through professional therapy, trauma-informed care, and community-based emotional support, we help people process pain, build resilience, and experience restoration. Our goal is to foster belonging —so that every individual feels seen, valued, and supported on their journey.
Trustees
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Naomi Partridge
Based in West Sussex with her family, Naomi is a skilled leadership facilitator and coach. From 2015 to 2018, she served as CEO of the Sophie Hayes Foundation, where she led the development and national rollout of a pioneering employability programme for survivors of slavery and exploitation in the UK.
Naomi has also supported and acted as trustee for a range of other charities supporting girls and women who have been exploited, and offers invaluable insight, leadership, and a deep understanding of the sector. With a combination of strategic vision, frontline experience, and deep compassion, she brings wisdom, the tools for change and a strong sense of purpose to the Holos Foundation. -
Megan Landreth-Smith
Based in West Sussex with her family, Megan brings over six years of direct experience working with survivors of slavery in the UK and Cambodia. Her journey began in Soho, London, where she built lasting friendships with women in the red-light district—supporting many as they left the industry behind.
She later spent a year in Southeast Asia on a ministry trip, working with rescue teams and in safe houses, offering care and rehabilitation support. These hands-on experiences shaped her deep understanding of trauma, restoration, and the long-term needs of survivors.
Megan brings to the board compassion, strong frontline connections, and clear insight into the needs of those we care for.
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Hazel Thompson
Hazel is an award-winning British photojournalist and filmmaker with over 20 years of experience documenting global social and humanitarian issues across more than 60 countries. Hazel's acclaimed book TAKEN exposes the harsh realities of sex trafficking in India, where she spent extensive time living within Mumbai’s red light district. Hazel’s bold, compassionate approach to truth-telling and advocacy paired with her insight and network connections, makes her a powerful and inspiring addition to The Holos Foundation.
Find out more
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Holos Kombucha has released a Sparkling Tea range! 2p from every can sold goes directly back into The Holos Foundation, helping us do even more of the work we believe in.
