An ex-Nottingham Trent University student is working with victims of modern slavery to shed light on their often overlooked experiences this winter.
Rebecca Atherton, 28, started working on a new awareness campaign after she was left ‘heartbroken’ upon hearing the experiences of survivors – her first time becoming aware of the issue.
She left NTU in 2018 with a degree in Graphic Design before relocating to London, where she worked for Nivea, Dove and Colgate.
Last year, Rebecca relocated to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, taking up a job with modern slavery charity Causeway. There, she discovered the extent of the issue across the UK and became passionate about raising awareness.
Modern slavery – when somebody is controlled by threats and coercion – often involves individuals being forced to work for free or extremely low wages.
It can take many forms, including human trafficking, forced labour, debt bondage, criminal exploitation, sexual exploitation, forced marriage and organ harvesting.
Upon working with individuals with first-hand experience of modern slavery, Rebecca wanted to ‘shine a light’ on their stories, which led her to begin work on the charity’s ‘Stand With Survivors This Winter’ campaign.
“Modern slavery can take many different forms and it doesn’t discriminate,” she said.
“I was heartbroken to hear the real stories from individuals who had experienced it. I felt these voices and experiences of survivors, and those who dedicate their lives to supporting them, are often not heard.
“I really wanted to do what I could to shine a light on these experiences and bring greater awareness to modern slavery generally.
“Discovering that winter, in particular, can see increased challenges for survivors, and a greater need for Causeway’s services, led to the Stand With Survivors This Winter idea.
“I hope the campaign will shine a light on the reality of modern slavery in the UK, and if anybody is in a position to donate to the campaign and Causeway’s vital work, it would be hugely appreciated.”
For the campaign, Rebecca has produced a series of artistic assets and creative designs which she hopes will bring awareness to the stories and voices of real modern slavery survivors across the UK.
Causeway says an estimated 50 million people worldwide are currently trapped in modern slavery and exploitation – over 100,000 of which are in the UK.
From July 2023 to June 2024, the East Midlands and East Anglia accounted for 10% of all referrals for modern slavery support in England and Wales, through the government’s National Referral Mechanism, it added.
Currently, 76% of those identified as modern slavery victims in the UK are male, and 24% are female. The most common nationalities of potential victims identified in the UK are currently British, Albanian and Vietnamese – UK nationals account for 25% of potential victims, the charity says.
Find out more about Rebecca’s campaign by visiting www.wearecauseway.org.uk.
Featured Image: Submitted by Causeway