We provide specialist support for all survivors of modern slavery in England and Wales. Our confidential Referral Helpline 0800 808 3733 is available 24/7.

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking in the UK

Centuries after slavery was officially abolished, thousands of people are still being exploited and sold into slave-like conditions across the UK. They can be forced to work in the sex trade or domestic settings, used as domestic slaves, exploited for labour or criminal activity, or have their organs removed to be sold.

Those trafficked into the UK often are often unable to speak English, have their travel and identity documents removed, and are told that if they try to attempt an escape, they or their families will be harmed. Based on the latest 2023 data from the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), the UK emerged as the most common nationality among referred victims, accounting for 25% of all cases. This indicates that modern slavery is not just an issue of foreign nationals being trafficked into the country, but also of UK citizens being trafficked within their own borders.

How we help

The Salvation Army provides specialist support to protect and care for all adult survivors of modern slavery in England and Wales through a government contract which was first awarded in 2011. A new and extended contract came into force in January 2021 through which survivors of modern slavery are now entitled to support at all stages of their recovery.

Our confidential Referral Helpline 0800 808 3733 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to anyone who suspects that they, or someone they have come across, might be a victim of modern slavery in need of help.

Everyone we support receives access to a wide range of specialist services to meet their individual needs whether that is within a safehouse or through outreach support. This can include access to:

Confidential legal advice.

Health care.

Counselling.

Educational opportunities.

Financial support.

Support in obtaining employment and housing.

Successfully managing the delivery of support is never static and it requires The Salvation Army to monitor and anticipate trends and work with our subcontractors to ensure we are flexible and responsive to the continuing growth in referrals. It is also underpinned by a continuous search for ways to improve outcomes for the people in our care.

In addition to the government contract, The Salvation Army also operates:

An International Response programme, aiming to stop trafficking at the source.

A Survivor Support Fund, providing additional support to victims in the UK; and Mentoring, to provide continued support to victims moving towards an independent life.

How you can help

Spot the signs of modern slavery and potential victims.

Contact our confidential referral helpline 0800 808 3733, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if you suspect that you or someone you come across is a potential victim of modern slavery in need of help.