Slavery and human trafficking are of huge concern in Cumbria – and specialist bodies agencies have come together to provide training and awareness to create a safer county.

Safer Cumbria is a partnership of several agencies aiming to deliver community safety and an effective criminal justice system.

The victims – often immigrants who come to the UK on the promise of a better life – are being forced into working long hours, in unsuitable working conditions, for less than the minimum wage.

Hope for Justice, a charity that aims to “bring an end to modern slavery by preventing exploitation, rescuing victims, restoring lives and reforming society”, provided the training session from funding granted to Safer Cumbria from the modern slavery police transformation unit.

Those attending were given awareness training around modern slavery and how to handle the process of helping a victim.

Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner Peter McCall said: “Most of us think of slavery as a practice left in history, but this is not the case.

“Vulnerable people who are looking for a better life are being exploited by criminals to work in horrendous conditions for little to no money and are being excluded from society.

“This is the most despicable exploitation of people at their most vulnerable, and there is no place for it here in Cumbria.”

He was grateful that Safer Cumbria was able to offer training.

“This training is essential for all agencies that may come into contact with these victims as they have often been taught to fear authorities by their exploiters.

“I applaud this training and I am sure it will benefit those who have received it as well as the victims.”

Sandra Radcliffe, modern slavery and human trafficking co-ordinator for Safer Cumbria, was pleased that people attended.

“Modern slavery and human trafficking is happening in Cumbria,” she said, “and we need to ensure we are all confident in the processes around dealing with victims.

“I really appreciate the interest from our partners in attending this event and the funding we have received in order to deliver it.”