Celia Imrie among trio of recruits to rebranded actors’ charity

The charity formerly known as the Actors’ Benevolent Fund has called on CELIA IMRIE to “champion” its work as a newly-appointed ambassador.

The voluntary role will see the Bridget Jones’s Diary actor, and her fellow recruits, DANNY SAPANI and PAUL CHAHIDI, help the rebranded Actors’ Trust “reach more industry professionals in need of support”.

The Actors’ Trust announced its new name and expanded mission last month, in a move that followed years of disruption at the organisation regarding its leadership and governance.

The trio join existing ambassadors RUTH JONES, CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON, and MAXINE PEAKE.

Their appointments follow the charity’s recent expansion of its support services to include measures for mental health assistance and preventative initiatives in the social, financial, career and health spaces.

ALISON WYMAN, chief executive of Actors’ Trust, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support of Celia Imrie, Paul Chahidi and Danny Sapani. All three have incredible experience and passion that will undoubtedly help us in raising our awareness, so we can reach even more actors and stage management professionals who may need our support.”

“The worlds of sound, stage, and screen can be unpredictable,” Wyman continued. “Illness, injury, or mental and emotional strain can mean the show can’t always go on, which is why it’s so important for us to raise awareness of the support services we provide – so people know we’re here to offer a safety net when they need it.

“For nearly 150 years, Actors’ Trust has stood proudly alongside those who bring stories to life on stage and screen. We know that having the support of Celia Imrie, Paul Chahidi and Danny Sapani will help us to build on this legacy, making sure more people know help is at hand.”