SURVIVORS of modern slavery have shared their experiences with authorities, so better support can be available when others come forward in the future.

Ahead of Anti-Slavery Day tomorrow (Friday, October 18), Oxford City Council and the Oxfordshire mental health service Elmore Community Services co-hosted a roundtable event with the aim of strengthening modern slavery victims’ support.

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On behalf of the Oxfordshire Anti-Slavery Network, a group working to end modern slavery in the county, Oxford City Council and Elmore hosted a discussion which sought to answer the question: ‘How can we ensure every potential victim is identified and given the opportunity to be safeguarded?’

Oxford Mail:

Picture: Ed Nix.

During the private event on Tuesday, October 15, survivors of modern slavery in the county shared their experiences of their journey of being identified, accessing effective support with agencies and discussed how services can improve their response.

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The roundtable was chaired by Tom Hayes, Chief Executive of Elmore, and co-chair and CEO of the Oxfordshire Anti-Slavery Network, and Linda Ludlow, Strategic Lead for Human Exploitation and co-chair of the Oxfordshire Anti-Slavery Network.

To mark Anti-Slavery Day to highlight the issue of modern slavery, the city council has commissioned local artist Tommy Watkins to create a piece of street art on a ‘free wall’.

He will unveil the artwork tomorrow, on the hoardings that surround the old Murco garage site in Between Towns Road.

Oxford Mail:

Picture: Ed Nix.

Nigel Chapman, cabinet member for safer communities said: “Slavery isn’t something that happens outside the UK; it is happening here in Oxfordshire.

“Working together with our partners across the county we aim to raise awareness of these horrendous crimes against the most vulnerable in our communities.”