We recently hosted writer and activist Emily Kenway to give a talk aboout her first book, The Truth About Modern Slavery. Throughout the evening Emily addressed modern slavery, and its misrepresentation in political and cultural narratives. Kenway, an advisor to the UK's first anti-slavery commissioner, emphasises the difference between the real experiences of victims and the stories shaped for political motives. She discusses the conditions that foster exploitation, the misuse of the term 'modern slavery,' and how systemic issues like weak labour rights, poor regulation, and political convenience contribute to it. Emily uses examples like car washes, nail bars, and supply chains to illustrate inconsistent attitudes towards labour exploitation. She advocates for addressing systemic issues rather than focusing on sensationalized rescue efforts, stressing the need to understand and tackle the root causes of exploitation.

The conversation delves into Davey's personal experiences as a young caregiver following the deaths of his parents, his role in caring for his son with disabilities, and his advocacy for family carers through his political work. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting family carers, sharing stories and insights from his book. The podcast touches on the societal undervaluation of care work, the bureaucratic challenges carers face, and the need for systemic changes to better support carers and those they care for. Davey argues that integrating care more centrally into policy could lead to a more compassionate and prosperous society.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

The latest episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast is the second in our The World Needs More Poetry miniseries. This time, the Dean is joined by the Bishop of London, The Rt Rev'd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, for a moving and deeply personal conversation.

Bishop Sarah reflects on William E. Stafford’s poem “Ask Me” — a piece that has accompanied her through moments of challenge, both as an ordained woman in the Church of England and as someone who lives with dyslexia. With honesty and grace, she explores how poetry can hold space for vulnerability, strength, and the questions we don’t always have answers to.

If you’ve ever found comfort in poetry or are simply curious about how a single poem can speak into a life, this episode offers a powerful and thoughtful listen.