Chelsea’s Choice school performances continue across Buckinghamshire to help combat child sexual exploitation
The powerful and innovative play Chelsea’s Choice continues its tour across the county’s secondary schools, helping young people to learn to keep themselves safe from child sexual exploitation.
Independent Chair of Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board, Fran Gosling-Thomas, visited a Buckinghamshire school (Friday 6 October) to watch the performance and meet with teachers, students and the cast. Fran said: “I last saw Chelsea’s Choice a few years ago when we first ran the performances in Buckinghamshire schools; and watching the play again today reminded me what an immensely powerful performance it is, particularly as it is based on a true story.
“It’s really important that young people, as well as parents, carers and the public, are alert to and aware of the potential dangers of child sexual exploitation so that they can help to keep all children and young people safe. Take a look at our website www.RUWise2it.co.uk to find out more.”
Over 7,000 students across Buckinghamshire will watch the performance during its four-week schools tour. The play, produced and performed by not-for-profit organisation AlterEgo Creative Solutions, will visit 29 secondary schools across Buckinghamshire to carry out 40 performances for Years 8 and 9 students.
The performances are part of an ongoing awareness-raising campaign taking place across Buckinghamshire and have been arranged by the Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board which comprises 18 local partner agencies including the county and district councils, police, health, charity and education partners. The 2017 Chelsea’s Choice performances were funded by the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner.
Find out more about how Buckinghamshire is tackling child sexual exploitation at www.bucks-lscb.org.uk and www.ruwise2it.co.uk
How to get help or report a concern:
If you are concerned about a young person you can contact the First Response Team (Children’s Social Care) on 0845 460 0001 or email:
secure-cypfirstresponse@buckscc.gcsx.gov.uk
If you think a child or young person is in immediate danger call 999. Alternatively contact your local police on 101 who will have a dedicated team you can talk to about child sexual exploitation.
Buckinghamshire also has a countywide R-U-Safe? service for young people run by Barnardo’s, which is able to offer advice and support to any young person worried about these issues. Email: rusafe@barnardos.org.uk, text 07546 075 638 or visit www.barnardos.org.uk/rusafebucks
ChildLine also offers support directly to children and young people – contact them on 0800 1111 or visit their website www.childline.org.uk