Modern Slavery
Modern slavery is a crime that is present in every community within the UK. If you are concerned about someone you believe may be a victim of modern slavery, please contact Devon and Cornwall Police, or call the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline. If they are a member of your congregation or local project, please also involve your relevant safeguarding officer.
The Clewer Initiative
The Clewer Initiative exists to raise awareness and mobilise the Church and communities to take action against modern slavery. It was established in 2016 and has since become an independent charity, funded by several trusts and donors. It works with Anglican churches and other church networks to raise awareness, educate, inspire local action and encourage best practice.
Partnership is one of its core principles and it collaborates not only with churches, but also with law enforcement, local government, charities, wider faith networks and national and international policy makers. It has also pioneered the Safe Car Wash app, an innovative solution helping to address the issue of modern slavery in the hand car wash sector, as well as a range of successful online courses and training resources.
How you can help make a difference
An estimated 122,000 men, women & children are currently trapped in modern slavery in the UK, indicating that those we know about are just the tip of the iceberg. Many modern slavery victims never come forward to the authorities and live for many years with no freedom or dignity.
There is an urgent need to raise awareness of modern slavery and equip individuals and communities to know how to spot the signs of slavery and report suspicions. Time and again, law enforcement organisations state that educating the public about modern slavery and what to do is the single, most useful thing we can do.
One way in which you can grow in your knowledge and understanding of modern slavery in the UK is to use The Clewer Initiative resources to find out more. There are so many to choose from, from lent courses to lesson plans and blogs!
In the Spring of 2026, The Clewer Initiative launched its new six-week small group resource, “Children in the Shadows Revisited” about child exploitation. The interactive, film-based course explores how churches can unite to nurture children and protect them from harm. Including interviews, click here to find out more and consider how you can raise awareness of modern slavery in your church.
Coming this Autumn 2026
Anti-Slavery Week calls us to uphold the God-given dignity of every person by standing together against Modern Slavery and exploitation in our communities.
In collaboration with the Diocese of Exeter and Caritas Plymouth, The Clewer Initiative will be supporting an informative ecumenical event to mark Anti-Slavery Week in October, seeking those who are interested in learning more and how they can respond in their own parish or role. Details to follow.
Resources:
- The Clewer Initiative – its website is an incredible source of information. You can find out about all the different forms of modern slavery including labour exploitation, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude and county lines; download courses for churches and individuals; read about recent trends and download posters, presentations and leaflets about modern slavery.
- Sign up to The Clewer Initiative’s monthly newsletter to make sure you stay informed about modern slavery in the UK
