Anti-slavery sports event takes place in Nottingham

Survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery supported by The Salvation Army and its partners came together last week for a sports and wellbeing event held in Nottingham, at David Ross Sports Village, University of Nottingham.

Marking Anti-Slavery Day, 18th October, teams gathered in Nottingham from safe houses and outreach services run by The Salvation Army and its partners across England and Wales which provide support to help survivors of these crimes to rebuild their lives. 
 

The Anti-Slavery Sports and Wellbeing event was devised by The Salvation Army to celebrate the achievements of survivors and recognise how far they have come in recovering from adversity. Through exercise survivors develop skills and improve wellbeing as they move on from horrific and traumatic experiences of exploitation. 

Building on a successful football tournament last year in Birmingham, The Salvation Army expanded this year’s event to include a wide array of activities. Alongside 5-aside football, the men and women took part in adventure climb, an outdoor gym circuit and Yoga and Pilates sessions.   The event was made possible by The Salvation Army's Survivor Support Fund 
 

Service manager, Nasmin Yaseen, came with a group of women from Salvation Army safe houses in the East of England which she oversees. She said:

“Everyone was so excited to be traveling together, meeting new people and having new opportunities. This event has encouraged the women we support to think about their wellbeing and opened up different ways to keep fit. They’ve picked up new skills and created some happy memories. For today they can put their worries to one side.”

J, a participant at the event, who now lives in a Salvation Army safe house in the East Midlands having been forced to work without pay in a care home, said: “I’m so glad to be here today. I feel relaxed with no stress. I enjoyed it 100 per cent and I’m already looking forward to the next one.”
 

The Salvation Army is warning the decrease shows criminals are finding it easier to keep people trapped while the vile trade in human life is still prevalent in the UK today.

The Salvation Army’s annual report on the specialist support it provides to adult survivors of modern slavery in England and Wales found that between July 2023 and June 2024:

• In the East Midlands region, 145 people had been rescued from modern slavery and referred to The Salvation Army, a decrease of 39 people on the previous year.
• Overall, in the past year in England and Wales, the figures show that 2,741 potential victims of modern slavery entered support services The Salvation Army runs on behalf of the government.
• This is 792 fewer people than last year, marking a 22% decrease. This is the first decrease in overall number of people accessing The Salvation Army’s modern slavery support services in 13 years.
• Of those who entered The Salvation Army’s support services last year:
  - 64% experienced forced labour.
  - 19% were sexually exploited.
  - 10% faced criminal exploitation.
  - 6% endured domestic servitude.
   

Many of these people had been forced to commit crimes, work against their will, or coerced into sex work. Over the last 13 years, The Salvation Army and its partners have supported 24,565 survivors to rebuild their lives, providing medical care, counselling, legal advice, and safe accommodation. However, it estimates that for every person rescued and offered support at least seven more remain trapped*.

The event took place on a bright day at David Ross Sports Village, with participants travelling from different parts of England. The winning team in the football tournament were from The Salvation Army’s partner, St John of God Hospitaller in Birmingham. 
 

Major Kathy Betteridge, The Salvation Army’s Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery, said:  

“Today’s event shows the importance of all forms of exercise – whether it’s team sports or mindful movement – in helping people build physical and mental resilience and a strong sense of community as they rebuild their lives. We’re so pleased to be able to provide this extra opportunity for the survivors we and our partners support and to mark Anti-Slavery Day by celebrating their achievements.

“We are deeply concerned about the 22% decrease in potential victims of modern slavery who have entered our support services. This suggests that criminals are finding it easier to keep people trapped.

“Recent changes in law conflating modern slavery with immigration have made victims fearful that contact with official authorities will lead to prison or removal. Stricter eligibility criteria have meant fewer people are being recognised as victims of modern slavery and so are unable to access vital support.

“Modern slavery is not an immigration issue; it is a human rights issue. Indeed British people are the second most common group accessing our help. We need to encourage every person exploited in slavery to break free by treating them as genuine victims of crime.

“You could come into contact with a victim of modern slavery without realising; however there are some tell-tale signs to look out for.

“Someone may look anxious, dishevelled or malnourished, they may have untreated injuries. Someone else could be paying for their travel, speaking for them, or picking them up and dropping them off from work at unusual times. They may not be sure of their own address.

“The Salvation Army is calling on the public to help identify and report signs of exploitation and for the government to reassess policies that may be inadvertently pushing victims further into the shadows. If we fail, we risk strengthening the traffickers’ hand and losing our chance to combat this escalating international crime.”

The Salvation Army and its partners are determined to reach those still trapped, so they can provide help to people like Mark*4, who was exploited by criminals taking advantage of his vulnerability due to a severe drug addiction. 

The traffickers coerced him into working for their drug operation, luring him with promises of payment to sustain his habit and obstructing his access to medical care and support services that could help him overcome his addiction. Rescued by a police operation, Mark was identified as a victim and referred to The Salvation Army. Since arriving at a Salvation Army safehouse, his life has been transformed. The support team helped him access medical care and gradually reduce his addiction, leading to him being free of hard drugs for three years.

Mark now feels much more positive and secure; he is seeking a home of his own and is confident he will soon be able to find work once his remaining health problems have improved. 

Mark said: “At first, I thought these men were my friends. I was so desperate, I believed they were helping me by giving me this job. They made me work from 8am to 2am the next day, every day. They stopped me getting methadone to come off the drugs or medical help for my legs. I was in a really bad way but it was impossible for me to get to hospital. Every day they pushed me deeper and deeper into debt. I didn’t want to admit that I’d been tricked and abused.

“The Salvation Army are like family to me. I can go to them for anything and they will help. I can ask them anything and not be judged but given honest answers. They are amazing.” 

The Salvation Army’s free confidential 24/7 referral helpline 0800 808 3733 is available for anyone who suspects they or someone they have met may be a victim of modern slavery and needs help. 

The full Modern Slavery 2024 report and information on how The Salvation Army supports survivors, can be found on our website below.