The following is an extract from the Salvation Army’s Media Mail Drop dated 27 October 2017 which may be of interest to readers:

Modern slavery awareness continues to make headlines
We have continued to work with the press to raise awareness of modern slavery following our report published last week which highlighted an increase in modern slavery victims needing our support.

The Times and The Times Ireland faith sections shared a link to our short animated film that is designed to help people spot the signs of modern slavery. Church Times and the Church of England Newspaper highlighted our report. Regional press included Darlington & Stockton Times, Express & Star, Shropshire Star.

Mark Hill from BBC Radio Tees interviewed Diane Payne, Programme Development Officer for the Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit, during his Sunday morning faith programme about the rise in victims being referred to The Salvation Army in the North-East and he played an audio clip of our animation. He also spoke to Graham Wharton, Southwick Community Project Manager, where practical support is on hand for people who have been trafficked. You can listen to the full programme here until 20 November.

The Salvation Army’s referral line was also mentioned by a number of online publications this week in a report which tells the story of a family rescued from modern-day slavery. Sky News also carried this story.

Major Anne Read, Director for Anti-Trafficking and Slavery, also comments as follows:

This week in recognition of the Europe wide Anti Slavery Day (October 18th) we have released our annual report and also a new short animated film which not only raises awareness that modern slavery is happening in all of our communities, it also helps people to recognise the signs that someone may be a victim of slavery and gives phone numbers to call. The film and the report are accessible on the Hub but for your convenience here is the link to the report on our website.