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A night of hope at Bath Abbey: a recap on Unseen’s Carol Service

Unseen’s annual carol service at Bath Abbey was an atmosphere of solidarity and hope. More than 300 people came together for an evening of music, speeches and reflection, highlighting the strength of survivors and the ongoing fight against modern slavery. The event marked not just a moment of reflection, but a call to action.

Bath Abbey was filled with warmth, music, and a powerful message of hope as Unseen welcomed over 300 attendees to our annual carol service on 27 November. Under the Abbey’s soaring ceilings, supporters, survivors, faith leaders, staff, and members of the community gathered to share in song and reflect on the true meaning of hope.  

The evening featured carols led by Bristol-based choir, Break Out Voices, readings and speeches from Unseen staff and survivors that acted as reminders of why Unseen exists: to stand alongside survivors of modern slavery, and work to create a world without slavery.  

Why hope matters

Throughout the service, there were constant reminders of the importance of hope. In his address, Unseen CEO Andrew Wallis emphasised why hope matters in the service of those affected by modern slavery, especially in today’s challenging climate.  

“When you have the privilege of serving and walking alongside those who have been victims of modern slavery, you understand how powerful hope is… We live in a political climate where the most vulnerable in our society are increasingly and deliberately marginalised, othered, or denied support… It may seem impossible when, as Unseen, we say we believe we can live in a world free from modern slavery, but we must remain hopeful and believe we collectively have the power to achieve it.” – Andrew Wallis OBE, CEO Unseen.  

Hope in action

Attendees also heard from the Director of Fundraising, Communications and Operations, Sian Hartstill: “Support and hope – these two forces are inseparable, and together, they have the power to transform lives. For the survivors we work with, hope is everything… Hope is what allows someone who has endured unimaginable trauma to take that first brave step towards recovery. It’s what tells them they deserve more, that they are worth more, and that their story doesn’t end with exploitation. 

“When you give, you’re not just helping one person or one organisation you’re fostering community, encouraging others to get involved, and setting an example of compassion that inspires action. You’re showing survivors that they’re not alone, that there are people who care, people who will stand beside them as they rebuild their lives.” 

From the second of December to the ninth, supporters will have the chance to double the hope they provide to survivors. Unseen will be running a fundraising appeal for the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, where all donations will be doubled at no extra cost.  

Donations during Big Give week help provide direct support to victims and sustain our Helpline. 

Double your impact and give hope this Christmas:  

Learn more about Big Give

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us at Bath Abbey, to the choir, community, and staff who made the evening special, and to all who continue to stand with us in the fight against modern slavery. 

Hope is not passive, it’s something we share, build, and carry forward together. And last night, hope filled the Abbey. 

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Justine Currell

As I came to understand more about the issue, including through a visit to an Unseen safehouse, I knew I needed to do more to stop this abuse and exploitation.

For the last five years of my Civil Service career, I was the Modern Slavery Senior Policy Advisor in the Home Office and led on development of the Modern Slavery Act, including the transparency in supply chains provision and business guidance.

I joined Unseen to lead the development of the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, and Unseen’s work with businesses. I am regularly called upon to present at national and international conferences and use my experience of working with Ministers to influence other governments internationally to take action to address modern slavery and, in particular, business supply chain issues.

In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit, music, reading and travelling.

Andrew Wallis

What ultimately compelled me to act was a report on how people from Eastern Europe were being trafficked through Bristol airport to the USA. Kate Garbers, who went on to be an Unseen Director, and I wrote to all the city councillors, MPs and the Police Chief Constable challenging them on the issue. The challenge came back to us: this city needs safe housing for trafficked women. And so Unseen began.

But we never wanted Unseen to be just about safe housing. We wanted to end slavery once and for all, and that remains our driving focus.

I chaired the working group for the Centre for Social Justice’s landmark report “It Happens Here: Equipping the United Kingdom to Fight Modern Slavery”. This is now acknowledged as the catalyst behind the UK’s Modern Slavery Act of 2015. It was a great honour to be awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours that year. On the other hand, I’ve also been described as “the loveliest disrupter you could ever hope to meet”.

This job has taken me from building flat-pack furniture for safehouses, to working with businesses to address slavery in supply chains, to delivering training, raising awareness and advising governments around the world.

When not at work, I enjoy travelling, spending time with my dog Harley, cooking, supporting Liverpool and Yorkshire CC, music (I’m a former DJ) and endurance events such as the Three Peaks Challenge and Tribe Freedom Runs – which I vow never to do again. Until the next time.