19 September 2024
#WeAreNotForSale: Seven ways you can help end modern slavery
Find out how you can stand in solidarity with survivors this Anti-Slavery Day (18 October).
Each year, Salvationists and members of the public are invited to join the fight against modern slavery. Here are 7 ways you can get involved:
- Pray for victims and survivors
- Learn to spot the signs of modern slavery
- Volunteer your time
- Contact your MP
- Donate and fundraise to support our vital work
- Buy your temporary tattoo now in time for Anti-Slavery Day
- Get involved in the #WeAreNotForSale social media campaign
Read on for more information.
1. Pray for victims and survivors
Your words can shine a light into the darkest of situations, reassuring victims and survivors that they don’t face their challenges alone.
Let’s cry out for justice and freedom for the millions of people experiencing modern slavery, asking God to bring peace, comfort and lasting change.
2. Learn to spot the signs of modern slavery
You could come into contact with a victim of modern slavery without even realising it, but there can be some tell-tale signs to watch out for:
- Do they look uneasy, unkempt or malnourished?
- Do they have untreated injuries?
- Is someone else paying for their travel?
- Is someone else speaking for them?
- Are they picked up from work at unusual times?
- Are they unsure of their own address?
If you suspect someone may be a victim of modern slavery and needs help, phone the 24/7 confidential referral helpline on 0800 808 3733.
If there is an immediate danger to the suspected victim or if you think that the suspected victim is under 18, inform the police and call 999 as a matter of urgency.
3. Volunteer your time
Join the Army’s team of volunteers who provide direct support to survivors of modern slavery.
Volunteering opportunities include:
- Driving survivors to safety;
- Offering compassionate support to survivors as they tell their story to help them get the support they need;
- Mentoring survivors as they rebuild their lives.
4. Write to your MP
Join us in calling for the UK Government to restore the rights of survivors so they get the help they need.
5. Donate or fundraise to support our vital work
Money raised towards our work in the UK and Ireland Territory provides additional support to survivors of modern slavery and helps meet the immediate needs of survivors and eases their transition to independent living.
As an international church and charity, we also partner on projects around the world to support communities who are vulnerable to human trafficking. This year's Helping-Hand Appeal is raising awareness and money for our international response to modern slavery and human trafficking.
6. Buy your temporary tattoo now in time for Anti-Slavery Day
The #WeAreNotForSale temporary tattoo has a barcode design to symbolise how slavery treats people as objects to be bought, sold and exploited.
Help to start a conversation and raise awareness about modern slavery by wearing your tattoo, taking a selfie and sharing it on social media with the hashtag #WeAreNotForSale and tag The Salvation Army UK and Ireland.
7. Get involved in the #WeAreNotForSale social media campaign
A digital toolkit published on salvationarmy.org.uk contains Anti-Slavery Day hashtags, suggested content for social media posts, a social media timeline and more information about how you can take part.
You’re encouraged to post key messages and graphics from the toolkit and photos of your temporary tattoos.
Remember to tag The Salvation Army in your content and use the #WeAreNotForSale hashtag.
If you don't want to wear a tattoo, you can still participate by posting messages and images from the digital toolkit.
Discover more
Major Estelle Blake unpacks the vital role that chaplains play in safe houses for survivors of modern slavery.
Major Estelle Blake shares a Bible message for The Salvation Army's International Day of Prayer for Victims of Human Trafficking.
The Salvation Army's International Positional Statement on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.