Young people empowered to spot the signs of exploitation

Young people in Tameside are being taught how to recognise and respond to Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) through a powerful theatre project.

From October to November 2025, a schools tour is delivering “No Comment”, an engaging performance and workshop developed and delivered by Odd Arts in partnership with Tameside Council’s Community Safety team. The initiative uses live theatre to explore how young people can be targeted, groomed, and trapped into criminal activity such as drug running, and how support can lead to early intervention and prevention.  

The “No Comment” project supports the council’s commitment to early intervention, safeguarding, and building resilient communities. By equipping young people with knowledge and confidence, it aims to prevent exploitation before it begins.

The sessions focus on the initial phases of exploitation, targeting and rapport-building, while also raising awareness of the full grooming cycle. Through interactive workshops, young people are encouraged to explore key themes such as boundaries, where they learn to understand the stages of grooming and identify unhealthy relationships; safety planning, which involves developing realistic and personal strategies to stay safe; and exploiter tactics, helping them recognise manipulation techniques and understand how boredom can be exploited.

A total of 30 sessions are being delivered across Tameside, reaching secondary schools, Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), and Works4U. This year, the project is also being piloted with young people not currently in education but identified as vulnerable, in collaboration with Tameside Council’s Early Intervention and Complex Safeguarding Teams.

Two targeted sessions are planned for the week commencing 17 November as part of a wider week of action to raise awareness of CCE.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Children and Families Cllr Teresa Smith said: “Protecting our young people from exploitation is a top priority. This innovative project uses theatre to engage and educate in a way that feels real and relevant to their lives. It’s fantastic to see such a wide reach across Tameside and a commitment to supporting those most at risk. I’m proud of the partnership work that’s making this possible.”

For more information on CCE visit www.tamesidescp.org.uk/professionals/child-criminal-exploitation