SAMS began life in 2019 as Reigate Archdeaconry Social Justice Focus (RASJF) in response to local church members wanting to ‘do something’ to address issues of social justice in their area.  It soon became clear that the group should put all its energy into raising awareness of modern slavery, not least because it seemed that no one else ‘held this space’.

Over the last five years, we have spoken to many churches and other organisations about the presence of slavery in our society today and how to report concerns.  We have also held several events and webinars.  Our strapline is “Modern Slavery: Right Here Right Now”.  In addition to our talks, we have run a course designed by The Clewer Initiative called Hidden Voices for different groups, enabling participants to form their own action plan in their area.  From this, we have groups of “Churches Against Modern Slavery” or CAMS operating in our Diocese.  This is a great way for the message to continue and for ‘ordinary people’ to encourage each other to keep speaking about modern slavery and sharing ideas of practical actions that they have undertaken.

Following the appointment of Chris Elliott and Jennifer Hyde as Modern Slavery Advisors to the Diocese we are spreading this work across Southwark and changed the name to Southwark Against Modern Slavery or SAMS.  This makes SAMS an integral part of the Diocesan Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) team which is led by Natalie Walters. You can find out more about Chris and Jennifer on their pages.

SAMS has the following objectives:

1. To raise awareness of modern slavery in Southwark Diocese
2. To work with other organisations with similar objectives
3. To hold courses, seminars, webinars, training and events as well as participate in activities that will enable us to promote the anti-slavery message with the aim of eliminating exploitation in our Diocese.