Hampshire and Isle of Wight campaign launched to encourage adults to listen
The PCC is encouraging us to listen and support children
A new awareness campaign around child protection and serious violence in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is being launched, as teenagers warn "lives at risk" from adults failing to listen.
It highlights the importance adults can have in listening to and supporting a young person at risk of harm.
A report from the Office for National Statistics highlighted that 16.8% of children aged 10-15 in England and Wales had spoken with an adult they trust for advice in the last 12 months, over fears about gangs or violence.
Donna Jones said: “This campaign is important because many adults don’t see themselves as the right person to help a child in crisis, when they could be the one to make all the difference.
“Most children who are exploited or harmed knew an adult who could have helped, but that adult didn’t realise it was them.
“Trusted Adults aims to help people understand the impact they could have just by listening and doing the right thing in a moment of crisis for a young person.
“This is about early intervention, but it does not remove accountability, nor does it excuse criminal behaviour or replace law enforcement.”
Trusted adults could be any adult chosen by young people as safe, honest figures who’ll listen without judgement.
The PCC says evidence shows that the child-led connection and support can significantly reduce the long-term impact of serious violence and exploitation on young people.
17-year-old Tom and 18-year-old Dylan feature in two films created as part of the Trusted Adults campaign.
Both teenagers have lived experience of needing the support of a trusted adult.
Tom told us: “Having one adult that knows what's going on, that can be trusted and can change something, can save or break a life. Frankly, more people need to be doing it.”
Dylan added: “There are children and young people out there right now who don't have someone to talk to about their problems. That needs changing sooner rather than later.”