Married at First Sight UK star Matt Jameson, a Leeds resident, has teamed up with 18 famous men to raise awareness of men’s increased risk of modern slavery – ahead of International Men’s Day on Sunday 19th November.
Modern slavery charity Causeway has gained the support of all 19 male celebrities for their new campaign, called ‘Hidden Men of Modern Slavery’.
The campaign film, launched this week, features actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry, TV presenter Dr Ranj Singh, and fitness guru Mr Motivator.
Joining them are celebrity chef Ken Hom, presenter and author Dr Ranj Singh, TV EastEnders actor Rudolph Walker and Happy Valley’s Vincent Franklin.
Also featuring in the film are darts champion Bobby George, Rocketman star Steven Mackintosh, The Last Kingdom actor Jacob Dudman, Gogglebox’s Tom Malone Jr, and The Great British Bake Off’s Selasi Gbormittah.
Completing the line-up are Countryfile’s Adam Henson, DJ Pat Sharp, Coronation Street’s Charlie Condou, Channel 5 presenter Rob Bell, Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson, Star Wars actor Andy Secombe, and YouTuber Chris Cowlin.
It is estimated that 50 million people around the world are currently trapped in modern slavery and exploitation, with over 100,000 over those in the UK.
The number of male modern slavery victims in the UK has been increasing year on year. Currently three quarters of modern slavery victims identified in the UK are men. The majority of victims of labour exploitation, criminal exploitation and organ harvesting are men.
Amy Bond, Causeway’s Chief Operating Officer: “Anybody can find themselves a victim of modern slavery, and people are often surprised when they learn men can be more at risk in many instances. There are unique challenges when it comes to protecting and supporting male modern slavery victims. We are so grateful to have the support of these 19 wonderful men, who are using their influence and platforms to bring awareness to the truly shocking statistics.”
Matt Jameson, Married at First Sight UK star:
“It is so important that in what can be a divided world, we can unite to support and elevate voices of some of the most vulnerable people in society. It’s been great working with Causeway and joining up with Stephen Fry, Dr Ranj, and all of the other fantastic men involved, to shine a light on men’s increased risk of modern slavery.”
Stephen Fry, actor and broadcaster:
“The statistics around modern slavery in the UK are truly startling, and modern slavery does not discriminate. Anybody can be at risk of trafficking and exploitation, regardless of age, gender or nationality. I am proud to be involved in Causeway’s Hidden Men of Modern Slavery campaign to raise awareness of this.”
Vincent Franklin, Happy Valley actor:
“Causeway are such an important charity, supporting those that have been through some of the most appalling situations. However, like all charities, they need our support. I am honoured to have joined up with them for their Hidden Men of Modern Slavery campaign, to raise awareness of how trafficking and exploitation can affect anyone anywhere.”
Ken Hom, celebrity chef:
“The number of people who find themselves trapped in modern slavery is truly heartbreaking and intolerable. I am proud to have worked with Causeway on their Hidden Men of Modern Slavery campaign. By all coming together we can start to create that change and make the world fairer and safer for all.”
Steven Mackintosh, Rocketman actor:
“The number of modern slavery victims in the UK has been increasing year on year, and there’s been a particular rise in male victims. That’s why Causeway’s latest campaign is so important, to raise awareness of the reality of modern slavery and bust some of those stereotypes which people may hold. It is a real honour to be involved in the campaign.”
Bobby George, former darts champion:
“Modern slavery has been rising year on year. It was terrible to hear just how many people are affected, not just globally, but also right here in the UK. The fact the majority of modern slavery victims currently identified in the UK are men really surprised me, and I’m proud to join up with Causeway to help raise awareness of this.”
Johnny Nelson, boxer and Sky Sports pundit:
“The main thing that I hope people take away from is that modern slavery can affect anybody, anywhere. It was a pleasure to join up with Causeway and the other guys to raise awareness of men’s increased risk of modern slavery. Please support Causeway and the campaign in any way you can.”
Jacob Dudman, The Last Kingdom actor:
“I am proud to be a supporter of Causeway and all the incredible work that they do. Campaigns like this are vital in our collective stride towards a world free from modern slavery and exploitation.”
Charlie Condou, former Coronation Street star:
“It is an honour to be involved in Causeway’s Hidden Men of Modern Slavery campaign. All too often we just hear statistics and stereotypes when it comes to modern slavery. However, this campaign shines a light on the heartbreaking reality of those who find themselves trapped in trafficking and exploitation. It can happen to anyone.”
Pat Sharp, DJ and broadcaster:
“Causeway do vital work in supporting and protecting modern slavery survivors who have been through deep trauma. The Hidden Men of Modern Slavery campaign is so important in raising awareness of the increased modern slavery risk men can face. I’d love everyone to support the campaign and help us build a world free of trafficking, exploitation and modern slavery.”
Selasi Gbormittah, The Great British Bake Off star:
“The increase in modern slavery across the globe is really shocking, this includes right here in the UK. That’s why I had to get involved in this new campaign with Causeway. Modern slavery is something we all need to be talking about and doing more to prevent.”
Rob Bell, Channel 5 presenter:
“Causeway’s Hidden Men of Modern Slavery campaign is one I’m particularly proud to be supporting. Currently three quarters of modern slavery victims identified in the UK are men, something people are often surprised by. There are unique challenges when it comes to protecting and supporting male modern slavery victims, and this campaign is really important to shine a light on these.”
Chris Cowlin, YouTuber:
“It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Causeway on their Hidden Men of Modern Slavery campaign. It’s such an important topic, and one often not talked about. I hope the campaign brings much needed awareness and change.”
HMOMS Celebrity Film – Download Here
https://www.wearecauseway.org.uk/
Our Content Editor, Mags, also had something to say – on International Men’s Day three years ago: https://leedsliving.co.uk/city-living/international-mens-day-is-that-something-to-celebrate/
