On Thursday 13th February, Caritas Diocese of Plymouth will be holding an event at Holy Family Catholic Church Hall, 274 Beacon Park Road, Plymouth, PL2 3JR to celebrate the Feast of St Bakhita and to reflect on how we can prevent modern slavery in our communities. The event will run from 10.30-13.30 with a light lunch included. At the event, we will learn about the issue of migrant labour in the care sector in our Diocese, what the risks are to some workers and what we can do to help anyone in difficulty.
We are pleased to be joined by Louise Gleich of the campaigning anti-slavery charity Justice and Care, and the Centre for Social Justice’s Modern Slavery Policy Unit. Justice and Care has produced an excellent guidance document for international workers in the care sector. Please join us and register here or contact Alexandra Miranda alexandra.miranda@prcdtr.org.uk for more information.
Modern Slavery is one of the themes that Pope Francis has invited us to focus on during the Jubilee Year. People in the United Kingdom are experiencing forms of slavery – this includes people in our own parishes, schools, towns and cities. Our churches and parishes are often seen as places of safety, therefore we all – clergy and parishioners – need to be aware of the signs of modern slavery, and what we can do about it.
Saint Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan in 1869 and sold into slavery as a child by kidnappers. After she found freedom, she joined an order of nuns in Northern Italy, where she died in 1947. Inspired by her life, she is venerated as a modern African saint, and as a statement against the brutal history of slavery.
This event will focus in particular on labour abuse in the care sector and the risks that creates for people to fall into a situation of modern slavery. As the UK opens up to migrant workers to meet labour shortages, the potential for exploitation increases. Many workers who come to the UK do not know their rights or how to raise a concern. Caritas Plymouth wants to raise awareness of worker exploitation in the care sector and ensure that people n the care sector get the help and advice they need before they find themselves in a situation of exploitation. As we welcome migrant families to our parishes and schools we have a unique opportunity to help.