On Wednesday 17^th January, Hestia joined representatives from 370 councils and all fire and rescue authorities in England and Wales at Local Government Association (LGA) Modern Slavery Workshop.

The day explored the role in which local councils can make a dramatic change in the identification and reporting of potential victims of modern slavery.

Held in partnership with the UK Anti-Slavery Commission, the inaugural workshop at LGA headquarters in London equipped almost 100 employees with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to modern slavery. More workshops will be delivered across the country throughout 2018.

Keynote speaker, Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland OBE, announced new processes for the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) due to be implemented in the next year.

Hyland also shared his goal for businesses such as nail bars and car washes to display licenses to show they are operating they comply with fair pay and are recruiting staff legally.

“Better regulation of private businesses, involving civil society and collaborating at a local level can change the culture and help tackle Modern Slavery”.

Kevin Hyland OBE, Anti-Slavery Commissioner

Hestia is the leading organisation in London supporting victims of modern slavery.  Our Modern Slavery Response Team supported 870 adults and children to recover from the trauma of modern slavery in 2017, an increase of 30% from 2016.

Service Manager, Ella Read concluded the day with an overview of Hestia’s work with victims of modern slavery and our latest report Underground Lives.

Going forward: Phoenix Project

Hestia is launching the Phoenix Project, an innovative new scheme for members of the community to come together and help victims of modern slavery rebuild their lives.

We are recruiting volunteers in Southwark, Tower Hamlets and Westminster with individuals who have expertise in language education, health and wellbeing, housing advice, legal advice and therapeutic support.

Your time volunteering will allow those who have experienced unimaginable trauma to live an independent life free from fear.