Helping to protect Tameside children from exploitation

PERFORMANCES and workshops are being held in Tameside secondary schools to raise awareness of child exploitation.

The sessions form part of a wider package of activities being held during Tameside’s week of action running from 17 October, which has been organised by Tameside Council and local partners in support of Greater Manchester’s month of action against child exploitation.

Child Exploitation is a type of abuse. When a child or young person is exploited they’re groomed by being given things, like gifts, drugs, money, status and affection. This is usually in exchange for carrying out a criminal activity, known as Child Criminal Exploitation or performing sexual activities, known as Child Sexual Exploitation.

Odd Arts Theatre Company are delivering the ‘Just One Favour’  performances and workshops, which will raise awareness of what child exploitation is as well as educate young people on how to avoid exploitation and get support for themselves and others.

The sessions will be held at Alder High School, White Bridge College, Droylsden Academy, Copley Academy and Raynor Stephens High School.

There will also be free online awareness briefings for parents and carers in Tameside as well as professionals, such as teachers, social workers and health workers, during the week of action. People can book on as follows:

Sessions for Parents

1. Tameside Parents/Carers - Drug and Alcohol Awareness Briefing - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/421413347667
2. Tameside Parents/Carers - Exploitation CSE/CCE Awareness Briefing - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/421413247367

Session for Professionals

CCE / CSE - Exploitation and the links to Young Person's Substance Use - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/421338533897

Multi agency teams will visit parks and other areas young people congregate to raise awareness during the week of action.The Youth Justice Service will be working with service users to raise awareness of vehicle enabled crime and Greater Manchester Police and will be targeting hotspot areas and suspected offenders.

Tameside Council Deputy Executive Leader (Children and Families) Cllr Bill Fairfoull said: “One of the best ways we can protect our children and young people from criminal and sexual exploitation is to educate them on how to avoid being at risk and how to get support for themselves and their friends.

“But we all also have a responsibility as a wider community to safeguard our children and young people, know how to spot the signs of exploitation and know how to get help for them.  I would encourage everyone to book onto the free awareness briefings as a powerful first step for us all to do what we can to tackle exploitation.”

For further information on spotting signs of sexual exploitation and where to get help see www.itsnotokay.co.uk

For further information on criminal exploitation see www.programmechallenger.co.uk