THE GIFT OF FREEDOM

At the end of March everyone in the United Kingdom had their freedom curtailed.

Freedom – the right to act as one wants – was severely restricted.

It was restricted more than at any time in our lifetimes.

Suddenly we were told we should not go outside of our homes, see our families or friends unless for essential reasons.

How did that make us feel?

Are we nervous?

Are we frustrated?

Are we angry?

Are we distressed?

But just imagine for a minute if this was your experience for a much longer period of time.

The Global Slavery Index (2018) estimated that roughly 40.3 million people across our world have no freedom, are unseen and in many cases are in danger of violence or abuse.

Unable to leave their home or working environments – trapped in sexual, criminal, or labour exploitation.

During this time modern slavery has not gone away and has intensified as people may become more invisible and therefore vulnerable to control.

At the very least at a local level are we at this very moment perhaps more able to notice our neighbour?

Does something worry us about that person or situation?

St Francis asked in his prayer to be the person to sow hope instead of despair and light instead of darkness.

You don’t need to be sure that modern slavery is taking place.

You don't need to fully understand the types and definitions, to report your concerns.

You don't need to in order to bring hope and light into someone else's world.

Perhaps even to bring freedom - that gift that we now understand, more than ever, is so precious.

Julie Ross

A21 Organisation

Hawkshead