Your votes needed to take shortlisted Salvation Army film to the finals of the 2020 Charity Film Awards

A Salvation Army short film about modern slavery has been shortlisted in the 2020 Charity Film Awards and public votes are now needed to take the film to the finals.

Awareness is key to combatting modern slavery.  Click here to vote for Hidden in Plain Sightand share to ask others to do the same. Voting in the awards and sharing the film will mean more people could see it, even victims who could be encouraged to ask for help which they may not know exists.

The production of Hidden in Plain Sight, which illustrates, in a compelling and cinematic way, the visible signs of modern slavery in everyday life, was gifted to The Salvation Army by director Alex Haines and the Fat Lemon production company.

The Salvation Army provides specialist support through a Government contract to rescued victims of modern slavery to help them begin to rebuild their lives. Modern slavery is sadly growing with more than 10,000 people being referred to The Salvation Army for support since 2011.

Hidden in Plain Sight shows that anyone could come across men and women held in slavery in places they visit, like nail bars, car washes and cafes in any corner of the UK, meeting the demand for cheap goods and services.

Victims are frequently telling The Salvation Army that they believed their traffickers when they were told no-one would help them if they escaped. The Hidden in Plain Sight film ends with an opening door and a message that The Salvation Army will believe them and is ready to help.

In addition to the Government contract, The Salvation Army offers grants to help slavery survivors get their life back. They have been made for things like childcare to enable people to attend classes or training, household items such as furniture and therapeutic activities such as art and music to help people get over their horrendous ordeal.

Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, Kathy Betteridge said: “We are delighted this important film has been shortlisted for the 2020 Charity Film Awards because of the opportunity this brings to continue to increase awareness about the reality that slavery is taking place in every community in the UK. We want to help people be alert and able to spot and report the signs of slavery. Referrals to our services are up by 21% on last year but we know there are more people out there who we have yet to reach.

Anyone can make a difference to the lives of victims of modern slavery today by voting for The Salvation Army’s Hidden in Plain Sight film and asking others to do the same.  Let’s get this film to the finals.”

Victims of modern slavery have been found working in a range of situations, including construction, farming, factories and the hotel trade.

Anyone could come into contact with a victim of modern slavery without even realising; however there are some tell-tale signs:

• Some are physical: they may look uneasy, unkempt, or malnourished; they may have untreated injuries.
• Some are less obvious: someone paying for their travel; someone speaking for them; they may be picked up and dropped off from work at unusual times; they may not be sure of their own address.

Find out more.