Former York St John student launches modern slavery campaign with the support of 17 film and TV stars

A former York St John University student has launched a new modern slavery campaign after seeing first-hand how prevalent the issue is in Yorkshire. Edwin Buckley has managed to gain the support of seventeen celebrities from film, TV, music and sport for his new Stand With Survivors campaign. 

Recent reports have found that from July 2023 to June 2024, Yorkshire and the North East was the fifth highest region in England and Wales for the number of referrals for modern slavery support, through the government’s National Referral Mechanism. 

Edwin, a former Film and Television Production student at York St John University, came into contact with many modern slavery survivors through his work at the Yorkshire modern slavery charity Causeway. After hearing the accounts of what they’ve been through, he was determined to do something to shine a light on the issue.

He has approached and gained the support of seventeen celebrities from stage and screen to help him shine a light on the issue.  This includes BAFTA-nominee Julie Hesmondhalgh, Great British Menu host Andi Oliver, After Life star Kerry Godliman, and former EastEnders actor Maisie Smith.

Launching to coincide with Anti-Slavery Day 2024, the new campaign Stand With Survivors aims to increase awareness around modern slavery, and educate the public about the signs to look out for which indicate somebody may be experiencing it.

Edwin said: “It is estimated that over 50 million people worldwide are currently trapped in modern slavery and exploitation, with over 100,000 of those in the UK.  Survivors in the UK will most commonly have experienced labour exploitation, sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation.  However, after meeting survivors through my job at Causeway, I felt it was a topic that can often be misunderstood.

 "I had the idea for the Stand With Survivors campaign a few months ago, however I knew I wanted it to be one that could reach as many people as possible.  That’s when I came up with the idea of asking celebrities to front it for me.

 "I am so grateful to all of the celebrities who have thrown their support being the campaign.  It is such a powerful way for me to reach more people, raise awareness and advocate against modern slavery.  I hope the campaign will encourage everybody to ‘stand with survivors’, and show allyship, care and support for those who have been, or who are currently being, affected by modern slavery.” 

Leading the celebrity line-up for Edwin’s Stand With Survivors campaign is BAFTA-nominee and Mr Bates vs the Post Office actor Julie Hesmondhalgh, chef and Great British Menu host Andi Oliver, stand-up comedian and After Life star Kerry Godliman, and Call the Midwife actor Cliff Parisi. 

Joining them is Fantastic Beast‘s Derek Riddell, EastEnders’ Maisie Smith, The Last Kingdom‘s Jacob Dudman, Coronation Street‘s Shelley King, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard. 

Other celebrities fronting the campaign are West End and Broadway star Kerry Ellis, Olympic boxer Cindy Ngamba, journalist and broadcaster Simon Calder, former Emmerdale actor Charlie Hardwick, Bad Girls’ Alicya Eyo, Married at First Sight UK star Matt Jameson, and The Traitors UK contestants Miles Asteri and Theo Mayne. 

In a celebrity film that has been produced to launch the campaign, Kerry Godliman explains “If somebody finds themselves in a place of vulnerability or crisis, they can be particularly at risk”.  Andi Oliver adds that “modern slavery does not always mean somebody is being physically deprived of their freedom, although this does happen”. 

Cliff Parisi explains that “signs of modern slavery can be nuanced and hard to spot”, with Julie Hesmondhalgh saying “If you think somebody may be experiencing modern slavery, please visit Causeway’s website [www.wearecauseway.org.uk] or call the UK Modern Slavery Helpline [08000 121 700].” 

Julie Hesmondhalgh said: “Causeway support some of the most marginalised people in our society.  Their experiences and voices are all too often not heard or valued.  I am honoured to be involved with this Stand With Survivors campaign, and hope it will shine a much-needed spotlight on modern slavery, and help towards creating lasting change for the brave survivors affected by it.” 

Kerry Godliman said: “I was horrified to learn just how prevalent modern slavery is, and so supporting Causeway’s Stand With Survivors campaign was a no brainer.  This campaign is all about us coming together and standing alongside survivors who have been affected.  These are people just like me and you, and people who deserve the same dignity, freedom and care.”

You can find out more about the Stand With Survivors campaign and watch the films on social media @CausewayCharity or by visiting www.wearecauseway.org.uk