Key features of Lichfield's work
The mission of the diocese
The mission and ministry of the Diocese is focused around the three key areas of Discipleship, Vocation and Evangelism – following Christ in the footsteps of the first bishop of Lichfield, St Chad, who lived in our area in the 7th century. Its work on modern slavery builds on the Diocese's established five mission themes, which includes ‘Transforming Communities’ - encountering the risen Christ leads to change and hope, and leads on to care for people and the world around us.
Working in partnership
One of its key areas of engagement is with Wolverhampton Anti-Slavery Partnership (WASP). WASP is a multi-agency partnership chaired by West Midlands Police. The overarching aim of WASP is to identify and support victims of modern slavery in a multi-agency and collaborative way and to identify and seek to bring offenders to justice. The Partnership includes practitioners from the third sector, faith groups, law enforcement and statutory partners including City of Wolverhampton Council, NCA, HMRC, DWP, Hope For Justice, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
The aims of WASP
WASP has three main aims:
* Raising grassroots awareness
* Increasing support for victims
* Sharing intelligence and concerns about modern slavery
Churches and faith groups can and do help with fulfilling all of these aims. The Diocese particularly focuses its attention on training people in churches who work with at-risk groups like the homeless and sex workers.
Sharing its learning
Under the ‘Liberate’ banner, this model of Anti-Slavery partnerships work is now being replicated across the West Midlands Police seven force areas. TCT is working in neighbouring areas and with neighbouring Dioceses to support their work and network to share learning. The WASP model was also featured in a report on anti-slavery partnerships produced by the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
