Public invited to learn about modern slavery
published on 10 May 2023
The Salvation Army is hosting free workshops in cities across England to help people spot the signs of modern slavery and encourage the public to volunteer to help people whose lives are devastated by this crime.
The next workshop will take place in London on 13 May. People will hear from Salvation Army modern slavery experts who will explain exactly what modern slavery is and how they can spot the common signs that someone is a victim in their communities. There will also be opportunities to hear from a current volunteer who will explain what is involved in their role reinforcing The Salvation Army’s support services for survivors of modern slavery. Volunteer opportunities with The Salvation Army include:
- First Responders who help victims of modern slavery explain to the authorities what has happened to them so they can help.
- Transport volunteers who deliver and accompany rescued survivors to safe houses.
- Mentoring volunteers who provide practical assistance and play an important role, over and above the available statutory support, in helping survivors recover from terrible ordeals.
The Salvation Army provides support services to help adult survivors of modern slavery rebuild their lives through a network of safe houses and outreach workers. These specialist services are boosted by hundreds of volunteers who donate their time and energy to supporting survivors at various stages of their recovery journey.
The workshops will be held in cities including Liverpool, Newcastle, and Birmingham in the coming months.
Sarah du Heaume is a First Responder who is based in London and her role involves interviewing potential victims of modern slavery.
Sarah said: "I’ve been volunteering as a First Responder at The Salvation Army for over a year now. It’s demanding but fascinating work that brings me into contact with people from many different backgrounds. Almost all of them have been through highly traumatic experiences and it’s a genuine privilege to talk to them and offer support.
“Before I started volunteering I had only a dim understanding of what Modern Slavery entails, it’s been very eye-opening. Most of all, I’m struck by how easy it is for lives to be derailed by war, or debt, or by smooth talking exploiters. It could so easily happen to any of us. Modern slavery takes many different forms and is often ‘hidden in plain sight’”.
The Salvation Army’s Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery workshops will take place from 11am – 3pm in the following cities:
- London – 13 May 2023
- Liverpool – 3 June 2023
- Newcastle – 24 June 2023
- Birmingham – 23 September 2023
- Bristol – 7 October 2023
- Southampton – 4 November 2023
- Leeds – 18 November 2023
- Peterborough – 25 November 2023
Tickets are free and can be picked up online where the location of each workshop can also be found.
