Support for survivors
Specialist support is available for potential victims and survivors of modern slavery.
Support for adults
Adults in England and Wales who are recognised as a potential victim of modern slavery through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) can get specialist tailored support for at least 30 days while their case is considered.
They may be able to get:
- safe accommodation
- financial assistance
- medical treatment
- interpretation services
- legal representation
- dedicated caseworker
- training and education
- support in returning to country of origin
To get support under the NRM, a referral must be made by someone in a first responder organisation.
All adult survivors must:
- give informed consent to all information being shared with the Home Office and the relevant police force
- have the NRM form read back to them before it is submitted
It is recommended that you download the offline form to draft your answers, then copy and paste into the online form.
If consent is not given
Entering the NRM is not the right choice for everyone. If an adult survivor does not consent to enter the NRM, then a first responder should still complete a Duty to Notify form.
This is an anonymised version of the NRM form which helps the Home Office to get a clearer understanding of the nature and scale of exploitation in the UK.
Support for children
Children’s Services support children who have experienced modern slavery. Concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or young person can be reported to Children's Advice and Support Service (CASS):
- phone: 0121 303 1888
- outside normal office hours phone emergency duty team: 0121 675 4806
- e-mail: cass@birmingham.gov.uk
For advice and support related to non-emergency or existing cases of exploitation email the EMPOWERU Contextual Safeguarding Hub at EMPOWERU@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk.
Further support and information
- West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network provides an Independent Modern Slavery Advocate (IMSA) service in the West Midlands and Warwickshire
- NRM explanatory booklets in different languages by West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network
- Human Trafficking Foundation’s mapping of survivor services
- Unseen runs the Modern Slavery helpline on 08000 121 700, which is open to anyone to phone for help and advice, including survivors or professionals
Page last updated: 30 September 2025
