Westcliff-on-Sea’s Maisie Smith has teamed up with celebrities to support a major new modern slavery campaign led by the charity Causeway.
One of Westcliff-on-Sea’s most recognizable residents, Maisie Smith, has joined forces with the modern slavery charity Causeway, and celebrities like Julie Hesmondhalgh and Kerry Godliman, to front the new Stand With Survivors campaign.
Cases of modern slavery in the South East have increased year-on-year. In 2023, London accounted for 45% and the South East counties for 12% of all referrals through the government’s National Referral Mechanism, making these areas the regions with the highest number of identified victims.
Worldwide, over 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery, with over 100,000 in the UK. Most survivors in the UK experience labour exploitation, sexual exploitation, or criminal exploitation.
Now, TV star Maisie Smith, known for her role as Tiffany Butcher on EastEnders, is leading the Stand With Survivors campaign. Maisie is also known for reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing in 2020.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of modern slavery and educate the public about the signs of exploitation.
In a special film created for the campaign, Maisie explains how modern slavery often involves “emotional coercion through fear and manipulation,” adding that Causeway “believe everybody should be free to live.”
Celebrities Involved:
Maisie joins other stars in the campaign, including:
- Cliff Parisi (Call the Midwife)
- Julie Hesmondhalgh (BAFTA-nominated actor)
- Kerry Godliman (stand-up comedian)
- Andi Oliver (Great British Menu host and chef)
Each celebrity shares their personal message of support for survivors and encourages the public to stand in solidarity.
Maisie Smith said:
“I am proud to be standing with Causeway and alongside survivors of modern slavery. The survivors Causeway supports have been through such awful experiences, which most of us couldn’t imagine. However, coming together and showing our support is so important.”
Julie Hesmondhalgh said:
“Causeway supports some of the most marginalized people in society. Their experiences and voices are often not heard or valued. I am honoured to be part of this campaign, hoping it will create lasting change.”
Kerry Godliman added:
“Supporting Causeway’s Stand With Survivors campaign was a no-brainer. These are people just like me and you, and they deserve the same dignity and care.”
Andi Oliver said:
“Modern slavery can affect anybody anywhere. I stand with survivors, will you stand with me?”
Campaign Information:
Edwin Buckley, Head of Communications at Causeway, emphasized:
“We are grateful to have Maisie join our star-studded lineup. Modern slavery is on the rise in the UK, and having these celebrities advocate against it is impactful.”
Learn more about the campaign and watch Maisie’s film by visiting Causeway’s website or following them on social media @CausewayCharity.