A key part of our work is to raise awareness of the existence of modern slavery in our communities and help people to find ways of responding. The Diocese seeks to encourage practical support for people affected by modern slavery at both parish and deanery level, and to develop effective responses alongside clergy and lay volunteers. We also link up with the Clewer Initiative and other organisations working in this area. There will be an event at Southwark Cathedral on Saturday 25th November aimed at raising raise awareness of Modern Day Slavery within parishes; please contact us to register your interest.
Signs of slavery: what might I see?
It is currently estimated that there are over 130,000 victims of slavery in this country. All agree that a high percentage of these are in London and the South East. That is in our Diocese!! These a just a few of the signs of slavery happening all around us, right here, right now:
At a carwash
- Workers don’t have the right clothing
- No eye contact, no conversation
- Appear under the control of others
- Look malnourished
In a nail bar
- Look out for things that don’t seem right, including very low prices.
- Do the staff speak English? Can you communicate with them?
- Is there someone (often a man) who seems to be dominating and telling them what to do?
- Is it cash only?
On a construction site
- Workers being collected and dropped off on a regular basis early in the morning or late at night in a crowded minibus with other workers.
- Evidence that they live on the site.
- No suitable protective clothing or other proper safety equipment.
- Don’t relate to others on the site.
In my neighbourhood
Is there work being done to a house?
- Look for the same signs as on a construction site
- Do the workers look frightened and hesitant to talk to strangers?
- Do they look malnourished or show signs of physical abuse with untreated injuries?
Are there several people going in and out of a house?
- Are they mainly men?
- Do the people who live there appear to be young women?
- Is the activity around the house mainly at night?
Whether you are employing someone through an agency, getting work done on your home or church or buying a service – if the price seems too good to be true it probably is and someone is suffering.
What do I do if I suspect something?
If there is an emergency and someone is in immediate danger, don’t hesitate call 999.
Call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.
If you need advice or support on a modern slavery issue then you can call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700. It operates 24 hour a day, 365 days a year.
If your church is affected in any way notify your Parish Safeguarding Officer.
If you would like to report any non-emergency suspicious activity in your local area then you can call your local police on 101 or go to your local police station.
If you want to learn more, you can contact the Chris Elliott, Modern Slavery Advisor at Reigate Archdeaconry Social Justice Focus organisation
