This Saturday 18^th October is Anti-Slavery Day and we are launching our Modern Slavery Statement. Modern Slavery was described by Pope Francis as a “crime against humanity”. It exists in all our communities yet is often unrecognisable. One of the keys to combatting modern slavery is knowing what to look for and we are likely to find it. Within the diocese activity, we have identified 3 key areas, recruitment, investments, and our supply chains. The statement sets out how we are already addressing these and what we intend to do to in the future, it is an ongoing process.

To accompany the statement is a parish resource pack to empower parishes and parishioners to become better informed, how to recognise signs and what to do if concerned. More than 500 people were identified as potential victims of modern slavery in the area covered by the diocese in 2024 and there are an estimated 122,000 victims within the UK. We cannot remain indifferent.

Download the resource pack today, read about Luka, a survivor of modern slavery, access a training module, identify the signs and other actions you can take to help eliminate modern slavery.

If you are interested in being part of a modern slavery network of ambassadors, please contact caritas@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk.