A photography exhibition, entitled #ArtIsFreedom, has highlighted the realities faced by survivors of modern slavery in London.

The exhibition took over London Bridge station to mark Anti-Slavery Day, which takes place annually on 18^th October.

All photographs exhibited at #ArtIsFreedom were captured by survivors of modern slavery currently living in the capital and being supported by Hestia.

Survivors in Hestia’s service were given the opportunity to attend workshops, hosted by professional photographer Mark Dearlove, in order to refine their photography composition skills. The exhibition provided a platform for survivors to share their recovery journeys and express what life in London means to them.

Thousands of commuters were able to stop by the exhibition and learn more about modern slavery, with ‘Spot The Signs’ toolkits, highlighting the signs of this often hidden crime, distributed in order to raise crucial awareness.

Research by Opinium, commissioned by Hestia, indicates that only 1 in 4 adults in the UK feel comfortable in spotting the signs of modern slavery.

The ‘Spot The Signs’ toolkit is available to download online.

More new research released to highlight Anti-Slavery Day further detailed the plight of modern slavery victims in London. Shocking figures have highlighted that almost 1 in 10 rough sleepers in the capital are actually victims of this brutal crime, and face higher risk of re-exploitation as a result.

The research was uncovered through Hestia’s Underground Lives report series, with recommendations calling for Local Authorities to join forces with faith organisations and homelessness charities to better identify victims, and ultimately enable them to access safe accommodation and support.

The findings from Hestia’s ‘Underground Lives: Homelessness and Modern Slavery in London’ report can be read online.

Check out some of the #ArtIsFreedom photos below

'Ristorante Italiano' by K.G, a 34-year-old woman from the Philippines. "The photo represents a journey to a peaceful and safe destination. It seems hopeful. London is a great city where you can be yourself and there is no discrimination."

'Love' by J.B.T, a 24-year-old from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. "I love flowers. I feel happy just looking at this picture."

'Goodbye' by S.S, a 21-year-old woman from Albania. "For me, photography is documenting and sharing a perspective that is uniquely born from one's own mind. It's creating something extraordinary from the ordinary world everyone sees."

'Night Blur' by S.S, a 37-year-old man from Nigeria. "To take photos is a way to remember, your past, your present. It gives you good memories. Something to show your grandchildren. It allows you to think back."

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Read more like this

• Download the 'Spot The Signs' of modern slavery toolkit
  
  
• Vlora's* Story: "I'm a victim of modern slavery with a nursing degree, and now all I want to do is work"
• Jack's* Story: "After asking to be paid, they beat me."

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