Modern slavery is closer than you think and is happening in Gloucestershire.

Last week, local organisations, businesses and community groups took part in an event to find out more about national Anti Slavery Day.

Modern slavery is the illegal exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain. Victims are trapped in servitude, which they were deceived or coerced into and feel they cannot leave.

In 2018, 61 potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking were identified in Gloucestershire. However, the picture is not complete and there are ways residents, businesses and community groups can help public sector organisations to tackle the problem.

National Anti-Slavery Day is on 18th October every year, and to mark this, the Gloucestershire Anti-Slavery Partnership (GASP) held an event for the local community to find out more about modern slavery and human trafficking in Gloucestershire, hear the stories of survivors and discover what everyone can do to stamp out the slavery in our county.

Peter Bungard, chair of the Gloucestershire Anti Slavery Partnership, said: "Modern slavery is an under-reported and often hidden crime that we are only just beginning to understand. Despite slavery being abolished in 1833, we unbelievably still see it here on our doorstep. We need people in Gloucestershire to help us protect vulnerable people by spotting the signs of modern slavery and reporting what they see.

"We are reviewing our commercial policies to eradicate any chance of modern slavery from our supply chains, and I want to encourage all businesses to do the same."

Public sector organisations all hold responsibilities to report when they see signs of slavery or human trafficking, so as part of the commitment to stamp out modern slavery, members of the partnership have trained over 400 public sector staff, with more online training being rolled out in the coming weeks.

Speakers at the event included Unseen, a leading anti-slavery charity which runs the Modern Slavery Helpline, and the Bishop of Tewkesbury, The Rt Revd Robert Springett, who spoke passionately about the Clewer Initiative. GASP and the deputy police and crime commissioner, Chris Brierley, also spoke about what is being done to tackle modern slavery.

More information about GASP and the signs of modern slavery can be found online here .

If you see someone you think might be a victim please contact the Modern Slavery Helpline 0800 0121 700, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the police on 101.