JUST-ICE FOR SURVIVORS

Anyone who has made their own ice cream will know if the recipe is a good one, the stirring is done properly and you take it out of the freezer at the right time, it is like ambrosia.

Gav and Sally Murray’s love of ice cream has led to something more. Their Just-Ice social enterprise offers employment for survivors of human trafficking, restoring their dignity and giving them hope and a future.

Gav makes the ice cream, using natural ingredients including Fairtrade vanilla, chocolate and sugar. Sally oversees the training of staff and support and life coaching for survivors.

Jo Rodman

Jo Rodman (pictured above), is so impressed with the work Gav and Sally are doing that she is in the process of setting up her own franchise. An experienced business woman and a committed Christian, Jo is also in training to become a priest in the Church of England.

“The effect of the work of Just-Ice on people’s lives is transformational,”

Jo Rodman and her Artisan Icecream bike

“The effect of the work of Just-Ice on people’s lives is transformational,” said Jo, who has just taken delivery of a refrigerated ice cream trike named Harriet.

She will work closely with Hope for Justice and City Hearts, agencies in the north west who help victims of modern slavery rebuild their lives.

Said Jo: “People celebrate the work that William Wilberforce did in the 18th century to abolish slavery but it’s shocking to find how many people are enslaved in the world today.”

WHAT IS MODERN SLAVERY?

Modern slavery is a serious crime that violates human rights. Victims are forced, threatened or deceived into situations of subjugation, degradation and control which undermine their personal identity and sense of self. Modern slavery encompasses human trafficking and slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.

Victims may be reluctant to come forward with information; not recognise themselves as having been trafficked or enslaved, or tell their stories with obvious errors or omissions.

Someone in slavery might:

• appear to be under the control of someone else and reluctant to interact with others

• not have personal identification on them

• have few personal belongings, wear the same clothes every day or wear unsuitable clothes for work

• be reluctant to talk to strangers or the authorities

• not be able to move around freely

• appear frightened, withdrawn, or show signs of physical or psychological abuse

• dropped off and collected for work always in the same way, especially at unusual times, ie. very early or late at night.

source: gov.uk

See below for what to do if you see an adult or child you think may be being trafficked.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SPOT THE SIGNS

If you suspect that someone is in slavery, DO NOT confront them or cause a scene as this will likely lead to increased harm for them. Instead, inform relevant authorities or organisations working in the field.

If you are in the UK and suspect someone might be in slavery:

• Call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or fill out an online form at: modernslaveryhelpline.org

• Contact the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority to report concerns about the mistreatement of workers on 0800 432 0804, or by email intelligence@glaa.gsi.gov.uk

• Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

• Contact the police

• Contact Anti-Slavery International or other specialist anti-slavery organisations.

Source: antislavery.org