'Diary room' pod hits Cheshire's high streets to educate about consent

People in town centre's across Cheshire are being asked to enter a 'Big Brother style' diary room to talk openly around consent and healthy mutual interactions.

Cheshire Police have taken their Consent Booth on the road to tackle what officers say are concerning behaviours among young people when it comes to sex and relationships.

"We are being made aware where young people are getting into situations that they think they can't say no to." said PC Sarah Bailiff, Young Engagement Officer at Cheshire Police.

"This is giving them that information that they can remember, like they saw that video or saw that bit of information - meaning they can say no."

The force has set up a gazebo staffed by officers and experts, with a mobile van positioned behind - kitted out in padded black walls and a neon CONSENT sign, with a single chair against inside the booth allowing people to talk to the screen and record answers.

Sarah continued: "We've got cue cards we can use with questions on there. For examples, questions on them like What would a respectful relationship look like to you? and Can someone change their mind after they say yes?

"We're more than happy to be approached by young people here, but it's also giving parents information how they can start that conversation. They can go home talk to their teenagers about how they've seen us in town, or heard we go into schools - and there's that conversation started."

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