Activities and Workshops in Tameside to highlight Child Exploitation

WORKSHOPS and information stands were held around Tameside to highlight Greater Manchester Complex Safeguarding Week of Action (16-20 March).

The week of activities included the “No Comment” workshop and theatre production being shown in two local schools, in addition to a full tour of sessions in schools back in November.

The activity has been developed and delivered by Odd Arts in partnership with Tameside Council’s Community Safety team. It uses live, interactive theatre to highlight how young people can be targeted, groomed, and drawn into criminal activity such as drug running, while also showing how the right support can lead to early intervention and prevention.

By giving young people, the awareness and confidence to recognise risks, “No Comment” aims to stop exploitation before it starts. The project supports safeguarding, early help, and building safer, more resilient communities.

In addition to the above, there was also other key activities taking place, including information stalls in Ashton-under-Lyne and Hyde, where teams had the chance to interact with residents and help raise awareness, start conversation and answer any questions around child exploitation.

There is also a Tameside Fearless and Crimestoppers social media campaign, using platforms known to be popular with children, such as Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook, to reach young people with targeted messages and support the Greater Manchester Complex Safeguarding Week of Action.

Child exploitation refers to situations where an individual or group engages a child (under 18) in criminal activity through manipulation, coercion, deception, or abuse of power.

Child exploitation is recognised as a form of child abuse. Perpetrators exploit an imbalance of power - often linked to age, emotional vulnerability, cognitive immaturity, intimidation, or substance dependency to control the child’s behaviour. Children may believe they are acting voluntarily, but their involvement is shaped by fear, grooming, threats, or unmet emotional or material needs.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Children and Families, Cllr Teresa Smith said: “It is great to see such interactive and accessible activities taking place to raise awareness on such an important theme.

“We really hope we have helped residents understand the different ways exploitation can begin, the forms it can take, and where to go for support. Thanks to the teams involved to help protect our young people.”

If you are worried about a child or young person being criminally exploited you can report your concerns to the police using 101, or 999 if you feel there is an immediate risk. You can also contact children’s social care via the Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub using this link - Worried about a child? - Tameside MBC

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