Steve Welding (E-Safety Advisor) and Hayley Cameron (Education Safeguarding Manager) were part of a multi-agency working group tasked with developing a programme of events for young people, families, and professionals, to promote Child Exploitation Awareness Week (18th-22nd March 2024).
We are taught about exploitation and the risks in school, but I still think more is needed. I wouldn’t always feel comfortable telling a teacher, but I would probably tell a friend
(Young person, Sutton Library, March 2024)
During the week, there were a range of events taking place. We had information stands in Sutton library and lots of training sessions taking place in schools. There was a good flow of young people and invaluable information being shared around exploitation. Surveys were distributed to young people to try and understand the current risks and experiences people were facing. As an incentive, snacks were available to all those that contributed and rucksacks were also given out. The rucksacks had resources inside to signpost our young people to support and services available. They also included a personal safety alarm! We shared resources during our New to DSL training day, and during our Contextual Safeguarding training.
The agencies in Sutton have really come together to raise awareness on a topic which everyone needs to know more about. The microsite is full of fantastic information and resources. I didn’t know about it before, but it is so useful
(Secondary DSL, March 2024)
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We all want what is best for our young people and we are all in this together.
For further information on Child Exploitation, please visit the links below:
https://sites.google.com/sutton.gov.uk/ceawareness
Event List : Safeguarding Children (LSCP) (event-booking.org)