Torture survivors' charity launches £4.7m "Under One Roof" appeal for new premises

Established in 1985, the Foundation has treated over 20,000 clients from more than 80 countries, ranging from British former prisoners of the Japanese in World War Two to refugees fleeing recent conflicts in Africa, the Balkans, and the Middle East.

The Foundation aims to help its clients rebuild their lives, and find hope in the future. The growing number of people seeking its services, however, means that it has outgrown its existing premises in Kentish Town, north London.

President of the "Under One Roof" appeal is former Beirut hostage John McCarthy, a Medical Foundation patron, who says: "The Foundation is a refuge where survivors of torture know their plight will be really understood, with each patient offered an appropriate programme of practical, physical and psychological help.

"The immediate challenge facing the Foundation today is that we now see more than 3,000 new clients each year, and cannot assess and treat all of those who seek our help because we do not have the necessary space. Some clients wait 18 months to be seen."

More than 80% dependant on voluntary donations for its work, the Foundation is grateful for the support of this year's Sunday Times Hay Festival. Festival events in aid of Freedom from Torture are Captured Voices, readings by Juliet Stevenson and Tim Piggott Smith from a Freedom from Torture anthology of poems and prose by people directly affected by torture or organised violence. Jazz and blues singer Barb Jungr will also perform.

All proceeds from the Gala Cabaret, featuring John Hegley and Linda Smith will also go to Freedom from Torture, as will proceeds from a Freedom Wall to be launched at the festival by Poet Laureate Andrew Motion. £10 will buy an A4 sized place on the wall for a poem of the donor's choice. The wall will then tour other festivals throughout the year.