A former Coronation Street star from Accrington has teamed up with other celebrities to front a modern slavery campaign.

BAFTA-nominee Julie Hesmondhalgh, known for acting in Broadchurch and Mr Bates vs the Post Office, has joined forces with charity Causeway for its Stand with Survivors campaign.

In 2023, the North West was one of the regions in England and Wales with the highest number of referrals for modern slavery support, through the government’s national referral mechanism, only coming behind London and the South East.

It is estimated that more than 50 million people worldwide are currently trapped in modern slavery and exploitation, with more than 100,000 of those in the UK.  Survivors in the UK will most commonly have experienced labour exploitation, sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation.

In a special film that has been produced for the campaign, Julie explains that when it comes to how many people are currently experiencing modern slavery, “globally, estimates put this figure at over 50 million”. 

Julie, 54, said: “Causeway supports 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.”

Julie first found fame as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, a role she played from 1998 to 2014.  Since leaving the cobbles, Julie has starred in series including The Pact, Happy Valley, and beyond.  Julie’s role in Broadchurch led to a BAFTA nomination in 2018.

The Stand With Survivors campaign aims 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.

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

Other celebrities fronting Causeway’s Stand With Survivors campaign alongside Julie include stand-up comedian and After Life actor Kerry Godliman, chef and Great British Menu host Andi Oliver, and EastEnders and Call the Midwife favourite Cliff Parisi. 

Several other North West stars are also involved, including Coronation Street actor and Manchester resident Shelley King, Bolton-based Olympic boxer Cindy Ngamba, and Liverpool RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard.

Find out more about the Stand With Survivors campaign and watch Julie’s film on social media @CausewayCharity or by visiting www.wearecauseway.org.uk.