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Five ways for you to help on Anti-Slavery Day
October 17, 2024
October 18th is Anti-Slavery Day – a day the UK unites to stand in solidarity with the 50 million people trapped in modern slavery worldwide.
Slavery is all around us, flourishing in plain sight. But Anti-Slavery Day is a chance for us all to come together to raise awareness and let victims know they are not alone.
Here are five things you can do on Anti-Slavery Day – and across the year – to help us fight this awful crime.
1. Arm yourself with knowledge
Educate yourself on the issue of modern slavery and how to spot the signs.
Men, women and children are often hidden in plain sight, and by spotting the signs in your every day life, you can help us put a stop to ruthless criminals.
If you fear someone is trapped in modern slavery, report it to police or the Modern Slavery Helpline. If you feel nervous, remember – investigators would always rather get a mistaken report than miss a chance to tackle a genuine case of modern slavery.
2. Take action
No one organisation can end modern slavery alone. By taking action today, you can help us influence change. Here are two ways you can do this:
• Write to your MP or local politician to ask what they are doing to press the British Government to increase efforts to address modern slavery. You can use writetothem.com to help with this.
• Join campaigns calling for change. We are a member of The Coalition to Stop Slavery, which is calling on the Government to make the UK a hostile environment for traffickers, not the victims of trafficking.
3. Shop ethically
Modern slavery may feel far away, but the truth is that we are all connected through the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the products we buy. But the good news is that consumers have the power to influence demand and make a difference.
Remember to research brands before purchasing. Do they have a modern slavery statement online? Are they transparent about their suppliers? Have they trained their staff on how to spot the signs? Have they had any incidents of modern slavery in the past and what have they done to address it? If you can’t find answers, get in touch with the company.
4. Support anti-slavery organisations
We are so grateful for every single penny that our generous supporters donate. But this isn’t the only way you can help us, and other organisations fighting this crime.
If you can’t afford to donate, why not take on a community fundraising challenge, or get in touch to ask about volunteering opportunities? Check out the ‘Get Involved’ section on our website for more ideas.
We also love any time someone shouts about our work. It may seem small, but by sharing our new policy report, or survivor’s story with your network, you are helping the cause.
5. Spread the word
Please raise awareness about the issue of modern slavery and share your knowledge with others. We can only end this awful crime by working together.