Seventeen celebrities unite to support Causeway’s ‘Stand With Survivors’.
- The campaign aims to raise awareness of modern slavery’s extent.
- Julie Hesmondhalgh and others highlight signs of exploitation.
- Over 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery globally.
- The North West has one of the highest referral rates for support in England.
Seventeen notable personalities from the realms of film, television, music, and sports have come together to lend their voices to Causeway’s new initiative, ‘Stand With Survivors’. This campaign seeks to draw attention to the pervasive issue of modern slavery, which affects over 50 million individuals worldwide, including more than 100,000 within the United Kingdom.
Among the distinguished figures leading this initiative is BAFTA-nominated actor Julie Hesmondhalgh, known for her role in ‘Mr Bates vs the Post Office’. Joining her are other renowned individuals such as RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard, Olympic boxer Cindy Ngamba, and television personalities Andi Oliver and Kerry Godliman. These celebrities have voluntarily committed their time to raise awareness without any financial compensation.
Modern slavery is a grave issue with the North West of England experiencing one of the highest numbers of referrals for support through the National Referral Mechanism, ranking just after London and the South East. Yorkshire and the North East also report significant cases, ranking fifth in the country.
Causeway, with offices across Sheffield, Liverpool, and Sunderland, stands as one of the largest providers of support for those affected by modern slavery in Northern England. The organisation aids over 2,000 individuals annually, providing crucial services and support. The campaign, led by Edwin Buckley, seeks to educate the public on recognising signs of slavery, aiming to foster a compassionate and informed society.
Celebrity spokesperson Kerry Godliman articulates a critical point, stating that individuals in vulnerable situations are particularly susceptible to exploitation. Similarly, Andi Oliver emphasises that not all instances of slavery involve physical deprivation of freedom. The involvement of these celebrities is intended to galvanise public action and understanding, encouraging a collective stand against this pressing issue.
The collaboration between Causeway and these celebrities underscores an imperative movement to eradicate modern slavery, amplifying awareness and advocacy across the nation.
