Modern Slavery

‘Modern slavery’ is an umbrella term for various forms of slavery, trafficking of human beings, and their exploitation.

On this page you can find out more about:

• What is modern slavery
• Why tackling modern slavery matters
• Support available to parishes
  • Diocesan Modern Slavery Ambassador Network
  • Links to anti-slavery organisations
  • Apps to report modern slavery
  • Helplines
• Simple ways to make a difference

What is modern slavery

Modern Slavery is used to describe circumstances where people are:

• forced to work
• owned or controlled
• bought and sold, or
• have their freedom constrained

It affects men, women and children. Vastly under-reported, it is a problem that is hidden in plain sight in our communities.

It is estimated that there are currently more than 122,000 men, women and children in the UK are trapped in Modern Slavery.(Global Slavery Index)

Why tackling modern slavery matters

As a diocesan-family, through our shared Called Together vision, we are committed to growing safe and healthly cultures.

Part of this means living out our call to bring about the Kingdom values of justice and peace, so that all can flourish as God intends, and to 'set captives free'.

“A mark of a culture shaped in the character of God is how well it cares for its most vulnerable members and a slave is as vulnerable as it gets.”   

Bishop Simon Burton-Jones, Bishop of Tonbridge

Churches are particularly well-placed to recognise the injustice of modern slavery in their communities and to respond well to those affected.

Support available to parishes 

Diocesan Modern Slavery Ambassador Network

Eleven volunteer ambassadors are available across the Diocese to help churches engage and respond to Modern Slavery. They are trained to help parishes:

• Spot the signs of modern slavery
• Know how to report modern slavery
• Support those affected pastorally

Ambassadors can visit churches to deliver awareness training, as well as share useful resources and information.

To be connected with your local Modern Slavery Ambassador please email magali.vandermerwe@rochester.anglican.org (Lead Community Enagament and Social Action Adviser for the Diocese)

Meet some of our ambassadors as they explain why they want to help churches tackle modern slavery.

National anti-slavery organisations

• The Clewer Initiative -  Is an Anglican response which exists to raise awareness and mobilise the Church and communities to take action against modern slavery.
• Anti-Slavery International - Works to eliminate all forms of slavery and slavery like practices throughout the world.
• Unseen UK - Provide safehouses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery. They also run the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline.
• Hope at Home - Provides safe homes for survivors of modern slavery by offering a range of innovative accommodation options in collaboration with other organisations.
• International Justice Mission UK -protect people in poverty from violence
• Hope for Justice - Working in the UK, USA, Australia, Ethiopia and Uganda to bring freedom from human trafficking and modern slavery by identifying victims, supporting survivors and preventing exploitation.

Apps to report modern slavery

The following apps are available to help individuals report signs of modern slavery

Safe Car Wash App Many hand car washes are legitimate businesses, but some of them are not, with people forced into labour and living in appalling conditions. The Clewer Initiative's Safe Car Wash App allows you to assess and report any concerns you may have. Download the app

Farm Work Welfare App The Farm Work Welfare App contains a reporting tool, which farm businesses, workers or local people can use to flag up concerns, suspicions or seek help. The information gathered will be processed by the Modern Slavery Helpline and will help identify hot spots, enable criminal investigations and, most importantly, support victims. Download the app

Unseen - Modern Slavery app
The Unseen app makes reporting to the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline even easier. Download the app

Helplines

999 - If someone is immediate danger

101 - For advice about local issues and to report suspicions

08000 121 700 - Modern Slavery Helpline

Simple ways to make a difference 

• Invite one of our Modern Slavery Ambassadors to deliver a Modern Slavery awareness sessions in your parish - find out more
• Undertake the Church of England's online Modern Slavery training  - available through the Safeguarding Training Portal
• Become a Modern Slavery Ambassador - contact magali.vandermerwe@rochester.anglican.org
• Pray - The Clewer Initiative has a range of prayer and liturgy materials, many of which the Bishop of Tonbridge has helped develop -www.clewer.org.uk/resources/prayers-and-liturgy
• Sign up to The Clewer Initiative newsletter
• Consider marking Anti-Slavery Day (18 October) in your church - find out more 
• Become an ethical shopper - use your spending power to a difference: www.ethicalconsumer.org/

Key Contacts