Programme tackling child criminal exploitation returns to local schools

AN education project to help tackle child criminal exploitation is to culminate with a film being showcased to parents.

The three phase community led programme ‘Just One Favour’, funded by Tameside Council, has focused on listening to young people with lived experience, preventing risk, and building resilience and protective measures.

Phase One began with delivering interactive performances and workshops to Droylsden Academy, Copley Academy, Mossley Hollins High School, Elmbridge Tameside Pupil Referral Unit, and Longdendale High School.

This created a safe space for at least 1500 students to discuss and debate key issues around exploitation and serious youth violence. After the performance, the students took part in a discussion to explore triggers, warning signs and vulnerabilities, safety planning and signposting to available support services.

Phase Two involved working with Elmbridge Tameside Pupil Referral Unit and Odd Arts to produce an educational film based around child criminal exploitation.

And finally, Phase Three was showcasing the film, produced during Phase Two, to parent a group that was identified by the Tameside’s Complex Safeguard Team. This gave parents the chance to comment and discuss the themes that arise, which will form a greater understanding of the theme, ‘family influence’.

Feedback suggested 84% of young people said their understanding of Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) had increased and 98% of young people now know how to get support for people at risk of CCE.

Councillor Vimal Choksi, Tameside Council Executive Member for Towns and Communities, said: “This programme has been an effective way of reaching our young people with the information and guidance they need to help protect themselves and their friends, and access support if they need it. We want all young people to feel informed, safe and supported in their local communities.”

For more information about Just One Favour, click here.

For more support visit www.programmechallenger.co.uk/