Tameside actress fronts new modern slavery campaign

ONE of Tameside’s most famous faces has teamed up with fellow film and TV stars to front a new modern slavery campaign.

Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh has joined forces with fellow celebrities including Andi Oliver and Kerry Godliman.

The Broadbottom resident has teamed up with North West modern slavery charity Causeway for their Stand With Survivors campaign.

The campaign looks to increase awareness around modern slavery, and educate the public about the signs to look out for which indicate somebody may be experiencing modern slavery and exploitation.

Julie Hesmondhalgh. Image by Causeway

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.

Causeway is one of the largest providers of modern slavery support in the North West, having worked with thousands of survivors across areas including Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cumbria, Cheshire and Yorkshire.

As part of her role in a special film for the campaign, Julie explains that people can visit Causeway’s website www.wearecauseway.org.uk or call the UK Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 if they think somebody may be experiencing modern slavery.

“Causeway supports some of the most marginalised people in our society,” she commented. “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.”

Julie first found fame as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, a role she played in the ITV soap from 1998 to 2014.

Since leaving the cobbles, Julie has starred in series including The Pact, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Happy Valley and Broadchurch – the latter leading to a BAFTA nomination in 2018.

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