Anti-Slavery Day on Wednesday 18 October is an opportunity for individuals, churches, and organisations to reflect upon, and commit to helping tackle modern slavery.
In 2023, in the UK, it is estimated that there are over 122,000 men, women, and children trapped in modern slavery.
When we hear about the number of people trapped in slavery in the UK and beyond, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless.
That is where The Clewer Initiative’s 'Do One Thing' campaign aims to help, say the Bishop of Tonbridge.
From putting up awareness posters, to attending an awareness webinar hosted by the Diocese of Rochester in November, Bishop Simon Burton-Jones is encouraging everyone to do one simple thing that can make a big difference.
Read his message below or watch here.
Hiding in plain sight
Hiding in plain sight is a very 21st century phrase but it doesn't just apply to perpetrators. Victims also hide in plain sight and no more so than modern slaves.
We brush past them in the street, they work in car washes or nail bars, they pick fruit and they dig for cockles, they wait by the sides of roads struggling against the winter cold.
It's a complex world right now and some people say, 'What difference can I make?'
Well, to adapt a film name, lots actually.
The Clewer Initiative has launched a 'Do one thing' campaign, ahead of Anti-Slavery Day on 18 October.
This could be:
- learning as much as we can about modern slavery and its signs
- downloading the safe car wash app
- committing to pray weekly about it
- signing up to Clewer to receive information
- distributing posters across the community.
Here's one thing you could do especially.
On Monday 6 November at 5pm, the Diocese of Rochester is hosting a unique collaboration between two of the UK's most distinguished anti-slavery charities.
That's the Clewer Initiative and Anti-Slavery International. By signing up for this Zoom webinar, you can find out so much more about what's going on and the things you can do to change someone's world.
To paraphrase Neil Armstrong, it may be one small step for a person but a giant leap when we do it together in faith in Christ.
Bishop Simon Burton-Jones
Bishop of Tonbridge, October 2023