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The Together Free Foundation is an Essex based charity stimulating local responses to stop local exploitation. The charity started through the Baptist church, 57 West (now Southend City Baptist Church) in response to experiences of labour exploitation among the homeless community in Southend who were also part of the church.  In 2019 the Southend Against Modern Slavery Partnership started. It draws together community partnership, including charities, churches, faith groups, law enforcement, statutory partners and education to codevelop actions towards a slavery-free community. 

Together Free has worked closely with the Eastern Baptist Association and Baptist Union of Great Britain in developing responses to modern slavery within churches. This has included Together Free initiating and editing the publication of Slavery-Free Communities: emerging theologies and practical responses to modern slavery (SCM Press: 2021)

 

In 2022 the Together Free cataylised the Chelmsford Against Slavery Partnership with Chelmsford City Council and in 2023, Colchester Against Modern Slavery with Colchester City Council. Community responses are stimulated through: 1. Partnership Development; 2. Awareness Raising among the public; 3. Training community partners to identify and stop exploitation; 4. Survivor Care for victims of exploitation, and 5. Collaborating with partners in intelligence raising and disruption. 

We appreciate the unique quality and power of local knowledge and relationships to bring an end to modern slavery and human Thrafficking. We relate with all people without discrimination, working with people in need regardless of their religion, ethnicity, race, gender or sexual identity.  

 

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