Modern slavery

Support for survivors

There are not as many dedicated, independent support services for adult survivors of modern slavery as there should be.

However, there are services in Birmingham and the UK that survivors can access.

If you are unsure about which service is suitable, email our modern slavery team at modern.slavery@birmingham.gov.uk for advice.

Support in Birmingham for adults

Aged 25 years and above

The SIFA Fireside Support Centre offers a support service for anyone experiencing exploitation over 25, with priority given to those who are also experiencing homelessness or insecure housing.

Visit SIFA Fireside at their main entrance at Liverpool Street, Deritend, Birmingham, B9 4DS.

If possible, phone them before visiting: 0121 766 1700

Aged between 18 and 24 years

The St Basils Youth Hub offers a support service for anyone experiencing exploitation aged between 18 to 24 years old, with priority given to those who are also experiencing homelessness or insecure housing.

To access this service, visit the St Basils Youth Hub at 120 Heath Mill Ln, Deritend, Birmingham, B9 4AX. If possible, phone them before visiting: 0300 303 0099.

Male adult and referred by police or Birmingham City Council

The 'SafePlace' is a West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network project that offers up to 10 days of accommodation and support right after post-exploitation.

The project can be accessed through a referral from:

  • West Midlands Police
  • Warwickshire Police
  • The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA)
  • The Birmingham City Council Housing team at SIFA Fireside

Adult who is also experiencing domestic abuse

The Birmingham Domestic Abuse Hub can support women and men experiencing both domestic abuse and modern slavery. To access this support, phone 0808 800 0028.

Support in Birmingham for children

If you have any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or young person, contact the Children's Advice and Support Service.

Outside of normal office hours, phone the Emergency Duty Team on 0121 675 4806.

For advice and support related to exploitation (non-emergency or existing cases), email the EMPOWER U Contextual Safeguarding Hub: empoweru@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk.

Support in the West Midlands

The West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network publishes information on their website about support for survivors in the West Midlands, including a booklet on the support available for adult survivors in multiple languages.

The West Midlands Violence Reduction Unit has published resources on their website including a directory of support available regionally and nationally

A directory of services for survivors in the West Midlands can be found on the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner website.

Support in the UK

Unseen runs a Modern Slavery Helpline which is open to anyone, including survivors, to phone for help and advice on 08000 121 700.

You can find help and information for adult survivors on the GOV.UK website.

The National Referral Mechanism

The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the UK government's framework for identifying and referring potential survivors of modern slavery and making sure they receive the right support.

Adults have to give informed consent to enter the NRM, and it is not the right choice for everyone.

If an adult consents to enter the NRM, the form should be completed by someone in a First Responder Organisation who has been trained to.

The Single Competent Authority or the Immigration Enforcement Competent Authority at the Home Office will look at the information on the referral form and use it to decide if someone is a potential survivor.

If this initial decision is positive, the person will enter the NRM and be entitled to support while in the process. These support entitlements are protected under European law.

The guide below explains how to complete the NRM referral form.

View the National Referral Mechanism guidance for adults in England and Wales

You can access the NRM referral form on the GOV.UK website.

It is recommended that an NRM referral form is drafted offline before it is copied and pasted into the online form. You can download the offline NRM referral form on the GOV.UK website.

All adult survivors should have their NRM referral form read back to them before it is submitted.

Adult survivors should also consent to share all of the information in their NRM referral with the Home Office. This information will also be sent to the relevant police force, so they will need to consent to this too.

Duty to notify

If an adult survivor does not consent to enter the NRM, then a First Responder should still complete a Duty to Notify form on the GOV.UK website.

This form is an anonymised version of the NRM referral form. It helps the Home Office understand the nature and scale of exploitation in the UK.

Page last updated: 28 February 2024

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