Modern Slavery conference set for Norwich church 

A conference to raise awareness of the existence of human trafficking and modern slavery in East Anglia is set to be held at a Norwich church on Friday October 10.

The Rotary Club of Norwich St Edmund is inviting members of the public to a conference on Modern Slavery at the Salvation Army Citadel at 36 St Giles Street, Norwich. The conference will start at 10am and will finish at 4.30pm.

Organiser Mark Little MBE, said: “Attendees will learn about the true nature and extent of modern slavery both at home and abroad and the way that the public can help to end this obnoxious crime against humanity.

“According to the International Labour Organization and the Walk Free Foundation there are approximately 50 million people enslaved worldwide and 24% of all victims are children. In the UK, it is estimated that some 122,000 adults and children are living in modern slavery. Many of these victims are in Norfolk.

“The conference aims to encourage individuals to learn how to recognize the signs which indicate the existence of slavery victims and/or human traffickers and slave masters, with a view to reporting them to the relevant authorities, and to inspire attendees to consider supporting the work of anti-slavery organizations, because they are so few in numbers. They are like mice fighting a herd of elephants.

Speakers include:

• Major Heather Grinsted, Deputy Director Salvation Army, Modern Slavery and Anti-Trafficking.
• Karen Anstiss, A former police officer and member of the Metropolitan Police Sexual Offences Steering Group and now Manager of Bakhita House (a Trafficking Shelter in London).
• Andrew Wallis OBE, CEO of “UNSEEN”, the UK’s national Model Slavery Helpline.
• Simon John, Co-Lead on the current Roman Catholic Diocesan initiative against Modern Slavery in East Anglia.
• Carol Metzker, author, speaker, TEDx presenter and consultant on Modern Slavery, and longtime volunteer at Dawns Place, a Trafficking Shelter in Pennsylvania, USA.
• Mark Little MBE, Founder Chair, Rotary Action Group Against Slavery
• Conference Chair, Caroline Evans is a former educationist with over 40 years’ experience in the public sector, including 19 years as a Headteacher.

Admission is by ticket only. Each ticket is priced at £15 and will include a light buffet lunch. Tickets can be obtained here or by scanning the QR code, right.

More details from Mark Little on 07710 403802 or at  littlebmark@gmail.com

Monies raised by the Conference will be donated equally to The Salvation Army, (a First Responder), UNSEEN UK (the Modern Slavery Helpline), Bakhita House (a Refuge for survivors of slavery in London)