Standing Together Against Modern Slavery

Published by Charlie Bohan-Hurst on September 4, 2025

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On Friday 10 October 2025, the Rotary Club of Norwich St Edmund will host a Modern Slavery Conference at the Salvation Army Citadel, Norwich.

Running from 10.00am to 4.30pm, the event will bring together leading voices in the fight against one of the gravest human rights abuses of our time.

The conference aims to shed light on the true scale and nature of modern slavery and human trafficking, while offering practical insights into how individuals, communities, and institutions can play their part in eradicating this global crime.

A distinguished panel of speakers will share their expertise and experience, including:

Major Heather Grinsted, Deputy Director, Salvation Army Modern Slavery and Anti-Trafficking.
Karen Anstiss, former Metropolitan Police officer and current Manager of Bakhita House, London.
Andrew Wallis OBE, Chief Executive of Unseen, the UK’s national Modern Slavery Helpline.
Simon John, Co-Lead of the Roman Catholic Diocese of East Anglia’s initiative against modern slavery.
Carol Metzker, author, speaker, and volunteer at Dawns Place, a trafficking shelter in Pennsylvania.
Mark Little MBE, Founder Chair of the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery.

The event will be chaired by Caroline Evans, an experienced educationalist and former headteacher.

Conference tickets are £15, which includes a light buffet lunch. Funds raised will support the Salvation Army, Unseen UK, Bakhita House, and the Rotary Foundation — organisations at the forefront of supporting survivors and challenging the structures that allow slavery to persist.

Speaking about the importance of the day, organisers emphasised that modern slavery is not a distant problem but one that exists in towns and cities across the UK, including East Anglia. The Church, alongside partner organisations, has a vital role in bearing witness, raising awareness, and working for justice and healing.

Tickets can be booked via the link: fundraising.rotaryeastanglia.co.uk/modern-slavery-conference.

This promises to be a moving and informative day for anyone wishing to learn more and to act in solidarity with victims and survivors of modern slavery.