Exploring the Wellbeing and Protection of Survivors of Modern slavery in Government Funded Safe Houses

Following our recent report on Survivor Safety in Safe-Houses, we at BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network (part of AFRUCA) are collaborating with a group of survivors to organise an in-person conference hosted by St Mary’s University, Twickenham, on 10 October 2024, from 12pm to 5pm. The conference will focus on exploring the concerns highlighted in our Safe-Houses report and discussing improvements in race equality and service delivery by victim care providers. You can revisit the BASNET report here.

As part of the event, we are hosting 3 different panel discussions featuring

• Individuals with Lived Experience to discuss their ‘Experiences of inequalities in Government Funded Safe Houses; what needs to Change’.
• CEOs of charities who provide accommodation, care and support for survivors of modern slavery to discuss ‘Improving Protection and Race Equality in Modern Slavery Safe House Provisions for Survivors’
• CEOs of BME-led charities to discuss ‘Improving Partnerships between Culturally Competent Community Organisations and Victim Care Contractors/Sub-Contractors’.

We believe these discussions will not only provide valuable recommendations but also offer reassurance to survivors and other conference participants that their voices are being heard, their concerns are being addressed, and meaningful steps are being taken towards improving their protection and well-being within the UK modern slavery sector. We anticipate significant attendance from survivors across England and Wales.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative dialogue dedicated to creating a more inclusive and effective anti-slavery sector in the UK.

Speakers and Panellists

• Robin Brierley, Executive Director - West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network.
• James Clary, CEO - Justice & Care
• Anna Ware, Director of Strategy and Engagement – Migrant Help
• Rakhshanda Shahzad, Head of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking - BAWSO
• Aderonke Apata, CEO - African Rainbow Family
• Kush Chottera, CEO - Europia CIO
• Rachael King, CEO - Strongtower Foundation
• Ehinor Otaigbe-Amedu MBE - CEO Wonderfully Made Woman
• Rumbidzai Bvunzawabaya – CEO Tulia CIC
• Professor Neena Samota,Associate Professor, Criminology and Criminal Justice, St Mary's University
• Jamila Duncan-Bosu, Solicitor, ATLEU
• *** Syed – Lived Experienced Expert
• *** Rosemary – Lived Experienced Expert
• *** JE - Lived Experience Expert

Conference Co-Chairs

• Debbie Ariyo OBE, Founder and Chair – BASNET
• Kahinde Ojo – Lived Experience Expert

For Survivors Only:

At BASNET, We are committed to ensuring that your experience at the conference is comfortable, supportive, and inclusive. This short questionnaire will help us understand your needs and make the necessary arrangements. Click on the link below:

https://forms.gle/orXm69sDJyemRnCi9

About BASNET:

The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network (BASNET) promotes race equality, diversity and inclusion in the UK anti-trafficking and anti-slavery space. We are a collective of organisations working in different Black and Ethnic communities dedicated to combating modern slavery and human trafficking in the United Kingdom. Our mission is to foster collaboration, advocacy, and research to eradicate the heinous crimes of modern slavery and human trafficking and to ensure the protection and well-being of those affected. For more information visit: www.bmeantislavery.org