PCC joins Forces with national helpline to raise awareness of Modern Slavery

MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner has united with a national helpline to raise awareness of the signs of Modern Slavery and exploitation and encourage people across the Region to report any concerns they have about slavery happening in their communities.

The helpline, part of the national anti slavery charity Unseen, provides information, advice, and guidance about modern slavery issues to the public, businesses and potential victims and survivors.

The campaign aims to increase understanding on what modern slavery is, educate the public on how to spot the warning signs of those being exploited and ensure they know how to report their concerns.

Delivered with funding provided by the Police Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, the campaign is part of a series of measures to tackle the issue of slavery and trafficking and improve the support provided to victims across the Region.

In May, Emily relaunched the Modern Slavery Network, bringing partners and agencies together with a focus on combating Modern Slavery and putting effective interventions in place to protect potential victims across the Region.

This work is an integral part of the PCC's work to deliver on her Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy launched last year.

Merseyside's Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- "It's estimated that globally, almost 50 million people are living as slaves today. In the UK alone there are estimated to be more than 100,000 victims silently hidden in everyday places like car washes, brothels, nail bars and restaurants. Modern Slavery is real and it's happening in our neighbourhoods. Awareness and understanding has been gradually on the rise, but it isn't enough. We need to do more to stop this horrific crime from happening and provide support to the services that are helping victims and survivors every single day. I encourage everyone to learn how to spot the signs of exploitation, doing so could help save an innocent victims life from years of emotional, physical and financial suffering. Even if you're unsure, the helpline provides confidential advice and any information you can provide will help to stamp out slavery for good."

Led by Deputy Police Commissioner, Cllr Jeanie Bell, the Modern Slavery Network has been brought together to enable all agencies to provide their insight and expertise on the issue of modern day slavery, with a focus on identifying emerging themes to help prevent more people falling prey to the criminal gangs who seek to enslave the vulnerable.

The Network will also focus their efforts on improving the response from Police and other authorities, supporting victims and survivors as well as producing a Region wide strategy which will be launched towards the end of this year.

Deputy Police Commissioner Cllr Jeanie Bell said:- "It is vital that those who have been subjected to enslavement receive ongoing and sustained care and support to ensure they can cope with the harm they have endured and have the best opportunity to rebuild their lives. That's why it is essential we increase awareness and understanding amongst the public so that more potential victims can be found and receive the support they need, empowering them to forge new lives free from control and ensure those who seek to exploit innocent victims are brought to justice."

Help stamp out modern slavery and learn how to spot the signs of exploitation at:- UnseenUK.Org.

To get more information about the spot the signs campaign, please click onto this link:- MerseysidePCC.Info.

Modern Slavery Network can be found online at:- MerseysidePCC.Info.

Let us know your thoughts on this news topic... Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter.

Community Heroes Celebrated by Mayor of Sefton at Citizens 4 Good Event

THE Mayor of Sefton and Sefton 4 Good recognised 19 Sefton residents for the positive impact they have had on their community and beyond. This year's second Citizen 4 Good event took place on the 5 July at Bootle Town Hall.

Mayor of Sefton, Councillor June Burns handed out certificates and thanked those being recognised for the difference they have made to the borough of Sefton. The Citizens 4 Good Awards is a joint initiative with the Mayor of Sefton's Office and Sefton CVS to highlight the good people do in their local community.

Event Organiser, Lauren Jones said:- "There are many people across Sefton who quietly go about making a difference, much of the time their contribution is not recognised nor do those who are making the biggest difference want a fuss. Citizens 4 Good was created in 2017 to give a place for people to nominate and celebrate those that make such a difference."

The next Citizens 4 Good event will take place in Southport Town Hall, on 12 October 2023. If you would like to nominate someone who has made a difference go to the Sefton 4 Good website:- Sefton4Good.Org.UK.

The nominees were:-

• Olena, Eva and Olga = for the fantastic contribution they made to the Eurovision event in Bootle which showcased the Ukrainian culture to the local community. Unfortunately 2 of the group couldn't attend the evening but still received their certificates.
   

• Sam, Daniel, John, Oliver, Adam and Abbie - for founding the Jacob Billington Trust in 2022 which does incredible work to raise funding for young people's music education in Sefton. Fundraising is part of their key aim to create a legacy for their friend Jacob who tragically lost his life when he was only 23 and who was a very talented and gifted musician.
   

• Lucinda and Louise = founders of The Cupboard Network. They now have cupboards all across the country from Southport to Yeovil. The Cupboards are available for ALL, and are FREE regardless of household income or situation and operate on a self-serve basis.
   

• Denese = volunteer and Trustee for Home Start Southport and Formby. Denese runs the Family group and gives families a fun filled hour and half every Tuesday morning at the Salvation Army HQ, Southport. Without Denese the group would not have been the amazing success it is, with around 30 people attending each week.
   

• John and Frances = for their support of Coronation Park, having been lead volunteers for over 15 years. Both contribute to lots of work with young families both in the park and via fostering for many years. They are also part of St Michaels Church and support other members going through hard times.
   

• Mollie, Michelle and Michael = from Active Minds Day Centre. Mother of 3, Michelle champions and advocate for people with Dementia. She is now the Ambassador for Active Minds Centre. Mollie is a selfless individual who works extremely well with our members with Dementia. She is a ray of sunshine and is always such a happy individual who loves working with the elderly. Michael is a very hard-working individual who goes above and beyond his call of duty. He is a very valuable member of the team who is responsible for the transport of elderly members taking them to and from the Centre on a daily basis.
   

• Louise and Phoenix = for volunteering for South Park Community garden, Derby Park Community Volunteers and Taking Root in Bootle, all while working part time and being a mum to Pheonix. Phoenix also volunteers during her School holidays.