Lunch Speaker: Alan Burley, Hope For Justice

Alan Burley came to speak to the Rotary Club of Grimsby on 17^th January 2018 about his work with Hope for Justice – an organisation dedicated to bringing an end to human trafficking and modern slavery by rescuing victims, restoring lives, and reforming society. Their vision is a world where all live free from slavery.

Alan outlined what human trafficking is and how it is happening on our doorstep, in Grimsby – for example in restaurants, nail bars and prostitution.

He explained how Hope for Justice has developed a model to deal with the complex issues facing trafficking victims and perpetrators in the United Kingdom.

The organisation’s expert team of specialists provide training for front-line professionals, identification and rescue of victims, and advocacy and restoration to help victims become survivors and then ‘over-comers’ with a renewed sense of hope and purpose for their future.

Hope for Justice specialist investigators work closely with the Police to identify victims of trafficking and modern slavery, build bridges of trust with them and remove them from situations of exploitation.

Then they work with victims, alongside the Salvation Army, to overcome trauma and rebuild their lives.  They offer restorative care initiatives and help partners to develop accredited systems, and offer support to meet vital needs.

In an effort to bring about reform they train frontline professionals such as police, social workers and the fire brigade to spot the signs of modern slavery and act on it, and they seek policy change by influencing the government and media. They also work with companies to eliminate modern slavery from supply chains.

In our area there are six volunteers, including Alan, all of whom have additional full-time jobs.  Among other things their work involves going out to talk to people – addressing groups like Rotary, Church and Women’s groups. The volunteers also run a stall in Freshney Place.

Alan urged people to watch Robbie William’s YouTube video:  More Precious Than Gold.  Based around a poem by Simon Armitage, this short film gives a chilling insight into the horrors of child trafficking.

After Alan’s address Rob Barton gave a vote of thanks and President Mike presented Alan with a cheque for Hope for Justice.  These funds will be used by Alan to raise awareness of his organisation’s work and will help to have informative leaflets designed and printed for public libraries.

If you have intelligence about human trafficking or slavery then contact the protection of vulnerable people unit via email publicprotectiongrimsby@humberside.pnn.police.uk