
The Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline has been awarded £1 million over five years, extending vital support to those who are most at risk of exploitation across England.
The money from The National Lottery Community Fund will enable the Helpline, run by anti-slavery charity Unseen, to target hard to reach communities and meet increased demand for its 365 day a year service.
The Helpline received a record number of calls and contacts via our web form and app in 2023.
Our advisers handled 11,700 calls and contacts from potential victims and people requesting information and guidance, a 20% increase on the previous year.
Leveraging lived experience to tackle exploitation
The funding will increase the capacity of the Helpline to target hard to reach communities through the recruitment of more staff and close collaboration with survivor consultants, people with lived experience of modern slavery.
Survivor consultants will be trained and empowered to act as key advisers in the project. They will be supported to undertake research into target communities, helping co-design materials and approaches that are culturally sensitive, easily accessible in appropriate formats, and available in multiple languages.
Taking one step closer towards eradicating modern slavery
Andrew Wallis, CEO of Unseen, said: “We are extremely grateful to National Lottery players and The National Lottery Community Fund for this funding.
“The award of this grant represents a significant milestone in the fight against modern slavery in England. This funding not only strengthens the Helpline’s capacity to respond to the immediate need of helping people escape exploitation – it takes us one step close to achieving our long-term goal of eradicating modern slavery.
“Our survivor consultants will be key to this work because they are often engaged in a wide range of communities. They understand the nuances, cultural differences, communication, social structures and social norms within different communities. These insights will help us resonate with people who are most at risk, building trust, deepening understanding of the issues and raising awareness of the potential life changing support available.”
The project’s aims include:
- Improved person-centred support for 30,000 potential victims over five years via signposting to support services and referrals to statutory agencies.
- A 10% increase in the number of self-reports from potential victims or those with direct contact with potential victims.
Eleanor Lyons, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, said: “The Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, with its independent status, is a beacon of hope for people who have been exploited or trafficked.
“By offering confidential and impartial support, it creates a safe space where potential victims can be heard without fear or judgement. The independence of the Helpline means it can prioritise a person-centred approach, building trust and understanding with people in vulnerable positions.
“This crucial funding amplifies our shared vision to fight back against the horrors of exploitation, empowering victims to reclaim their freedom.”
According to data from the Helpline, labour exploitation remains the most prevalent exploitation type, followed by sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, and domestic servitude. This has remained consistent since the Helpline was founded in 2016.
The Helpline is a free, independent and confidential service staffed by trained advisers. As well as supporting victims themselves, the Helpline supports police officers, NHS workers, local government employees, and businesses on what to do if they suspect an instance of modern slavery.
You can see the signs of slavery to look out for on Unseen’s website and call the Helpline on 08000 121 700.
