The Education Safeguarding Team 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 (17th-21st March 2025).
We are taught about exploitation and the risks in school, but I think events like this help, and it gets people talking. I am taking some of the posters home with me
(Young person, McDonalds Event, March 2025)
During the week, there were a range of events taking place. We had information stands in Sutton library and McDonalds, a family event in St Nicholas Centre 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, and free Happy Meals 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 DSL Networks and Head’s meetings.
The agencies in Sutton have done it again – 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 will definitely be sharing
(Secondary DSL, March 2025)
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: