Modern Slavery Programme

AFRUCA works to address modern slavery and exploitation experienced by children and young people trafficked into the UK. We partner with other agencies to provide culturally appropriate support and care to meet their needs.

Addressing modern slavery and exploitation of children and young people trafficked into the UK.

  • Domestic Slavery

  • Forced labour

  • Sexual Exploitation

  • Forced criminality

Our Service

What do we offer?

We offer culturally appropriate support and care for children and young people up to age 25 years who have experienced or are experiencing Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking and Exploitation in London and Manchester. We recognise the difficulties people with lived experience might encounter due to recent changes in legislation. We are available to work with young people to meet their needs, using our nation-wide network of partners and agencies. Our services are additional to those provided by government funded safe-houses.

Do you provide individual support?

Yes, we offer dedicated, one-to-one support for young people who have experienced trafficking and exploitation to meet their practical and emotional well-being needs. These include assistance to navigate the legal and social service systems, ensuring their rights are respected. We provide service users with a safe and confidential space to begin the recovery process.

Can you help signpost and refer?

We run a referral service to help those who have experienced trafficking access government support, specialist legal, health, education, housing, social care services and welfare benefits. We signpost young people to “first responders” to enable referral into the National Referral Mechanism” (the UK government’s service for those who have experienced trafficking and modern slavery).

Do you offer peer and group support?


Yes, through our quarterly Forum for those with Lived Experience, service users come together to discuss key issues they are facing, providing an opportunity for them to meet and work together in a safe space, developing valuable network of peers built on mutual respect and support.

What types of exploitation and modern slavery issues do you address?

AFRUCA provides services to support those who have experienced the following types of exploitation:

• Online Exploitation
• County Lines and Criminal Exploitation
• Domestic Slavery
• Labour Exploitation
• Sexual Exploitation
• Debt Bondage and Financial Exploitation
• Organ Trafficking

Do you support professionals?

Yes. We run educational and sensitisation programmes to help improve knowledge and understanding of issue of Modern Slavery, how to spot the signs and help to protect those affected. We work with communities to enhance understanding of Modern Slavery, while also training statutory agencies on cultural issues which affect specific communities. We frequently publish and disseminate reports and blog posts to inform about trends and developments on this subject.

What do we want to achieve?

  • Young people who have experienced modern slavery will have access to our specialist support and care including practical support, mental health, legal, social and housing signposting services.

    Young people are supported to navigate the many difficulties to access services due to the Ilegal Migration Act 2023

    Young people are supported to take control of their lives and improve their confidence and self-esteem.

    This includes:

    • Support to get into education and training

    • Improved well-being

    • Appropriate housing

    • Provision of support to access legal support

    • Country Expert Reports on Risks of Return

    • Support in search of employment

    • Understand signs of re-exploitation

    • Protect themselves against re-trafficking

  • Members of communities affected by modern slavery and human trafficking will have increased awareness, be able to “spot the signs” and be aware of how to report any suspicions.

  • Agencies working with communities and children have improved understanding of cultural factors that fuel child trafficking and modern slavery.