In 2007, Andrew became aware of modern slavery. Today, he works from Deben House as the CEO of Unseen UK. His work has helped thousands of victims find safe-houses, as well as preventing slavery from happening in the first place. He emphasizes that slavery is real. It is happening in the streets of Bristol – we can’t ignore it. We called in to hear Unseen’s story.

There is no doubt that Andrew is committed to his work. We caught him in the afternoon, after he had returned from a conference with the University Procurement Company in London. No two working days are the same for Andrew. He might find himself in the boardroom, the House of Commons, the House of Lords, or in front of a computer. The number of lives Unseen has freed from slavery, or prevented from getting involved at all makes the job worthwhile.

Modern Slavery is Real

Unseen’s story begins in 2007. After a lifetime of travelling, Andrew settled in Bristol to work for his church. Here a colleague prevented a Ukrainian citizen from being illegally trafficked. After this incident, Andrew and his colleague became increasingly aware of the scale of modern slavery.

But what was being done to prevent the problem? Andrew wrote to local MPs to seek an answer. The result was a meeting with a senior police officer that would change Andrew’s life.

“I met with a senior police officer who outlined the scale of slavery, both in Bristol and in a global context. He told me that, despite their vulnerability, victims of slavery were being arrested under immigration laws, placed in a b&b overnight, and then fleeing the scene.”

On hearing this, Andrew asked the police officer what needed to change. The police officer informed Andrew that Bristol needed safe-houses, where victims could seek the refuge they deserve.

“I told the police officer that I was willing to make a difference under one condition – that he would be my first trustee.”

Unseen UK was founded from this moment. The police officer became the first trustee, and still works with the charity to-date.

Unseen’s Work Today

Today, the team behind Unseen has grown to 50, and this will soon reach 75 with the launch of their newest helpline project. The work of Unseen is divided into three strands to ensure that slavery is prevented at a legal and corporate level, and that victims are given assistance.

1. Working with survivors
   Unseen ensure men and women in need receive access to safe-houses, and that those who don’t need intensive care have access to the outreach service. This strand of Unseen ensures the victims receive immediate refuge, enduring support and assistance reintegrating into society.
2. Equipping
   By working with police and corporate organisations, Unseen can help others to understand and combat modern slavery.
3. Legislation
   Unseen also work to enforce good legal policy and practice. Having this in place helps to prevent slavery from occurring in the first place.

Funding the project

Less than 40% of Unseen’s work is government funded. The remaining 60% is collected via trust funds, corporates and individual fundraising. For Andrew, part of what makes his work worthwhile is when an individual comes across the problem and does something to help.

“In those cases, to connect individuals with an issue that is largely unknown is hugely rewarding.”

The future

The future will see Unseen doing more of what they do, on a larger scale. They currently have plans to work in Jordan, and to grown their level of impact in the UK. They will also issue safe-houses for young survivors, and launch their new helpline service. We are proud to have watched them grow in Deben House, and we look forward to seeing them continue to change lives.

If you are to take one thing away from reading this article, Andrew stresses this: modern slavery is real. It is happening all around us, and needs to be challenged.

For for information about Unseen, or to see how you can help, visit their website.