NSPCC launches Suffolk campaign to tackle child criminal exploitation
The campaign will raise awareness for children and adults and encourage age-appropriate conversations around risks
The NSPCC has launched a major new campaign in Suffolk to help protect young people from criminal exploitation, with schools, local organisations and young people themselves all playing a key role.
Rebecca Duggan, NSPCC Local Campaigns Officer for the East of England, explained:
“We have been working on a really exciting project called Suffolk Saviours with 34 young people all across the Suffolk area. So we worked with three different groups of young people, a group from Newmarket Academy, a group from Roman Hill Primary School in Lowestoft and a group from a Level 2 youth project which was in Felixstowe.”
The Suffolk Saviours campaign, which launched at an event in July, is designed to raise awareness of child criminal exploitation (CCE) and to encourage age-appropriate conversations around the risks. It’s funded through the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner’s grant-making programme and delivered by the NSPCC in partnership with a number of local organisations, including Brave Futures, Suffolk Police, Catch 22, Suffolk Criminal Exploitation Hubs and schools.
Rebecca added:
“It was supported by a number of incredible partners who work and are local to Suffolk as well. So, for those eight sessions, we looked at what criminal exploitation is, and what the young people already know about that? What were they hearing? We also looked at the support. Where would they go for support and Childline, and that was really important because our objectives were to raise awareness about child criminal exploitation and to raise awareness of the support through the NSPCC and Childline, but also to support those age-appropriate conversations.”
Spotting the signs of grooming
As part of the campaign, parents and carers are being urged to know the signs of grooming and exploitation. Rebecca warned:
“There are many signs for grooming and exploitation… it is not just limited to face-to-face. It can happen online, on social media as well, and it can happen anywhere, including in organisations and in public spaces. Children can be groomed by a stranger or someone that they know, even a family member, friend or professional.”
She explained what changes adults should look out for:
“Maybe they’ve got new gifts, maybe they’ve made a new friend, maybe they’ve got a group of friends that are coming around for them, and maybe they’re on the phone a lot of the time. They could go missing for long periods… they might be using substances, alcohol, or they might be using drugs as well. Maybe they have a nice new phone they can’t explain, or a bag that they’ve brought inside and they don’t want you to look in. There are many, many signs. But if you notice anything, even if you have that slightest feeling, act on it because it is better to do something than to do nothing.”
Rebecca stressed that support is available:
“We have a helpline that is there for all professionals and all parents, and carers as well. So if you’re ever unsure, please call or e-mail the NSPCC helpline, and we also have a range of free information on our website too.”
Children leading the way
As part of Suffolk Saviours, young people from Roman Hill Primary created a spoken word performance, Once you leave you can breathe, which helps children understand what CCE looks like and how to break free from it. James, a teacher at the school, said:
“A group of our Year 6 children were selected to take part in one of the most important parts of raising awareness, they are the voice of the children… These brave, reflective, compassionate children have been confident in putting themselves forward and recognising their key skills in wanting to help others. They are a credit to the school and their families.”
Where to get help
Children and young people can always turn to Childline for free, confidential support.
- Call 0800 1111
- Visit www.childline.org.uk
Adults worried about a child can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]
Rebecca summed it up simply:
“All children can be vulnerable to exploitation, and we want to make sure that Suffolk communities know that support is there if they need it. Help us to fight for every childhood by getting involved today.”