Public invited to free information sessions on child sexual exploitation to help keep all children safe
Residents are being invited to attend an information evening about child sexual exploitation (CSE) in one of five locations across the county to learn more about CSE.
There are five sessions being held to help people find out more about what child sexual exploitation is, how to spot it and how to report concerns. The events will take at the following schools and will run from 7-8.30pm:
Tuesday 14 June at Buckingham School, London Road, Buckingham, MK18 1AT
Wednesday 15 June at Mandeville School, Ellen Road, Aylesbury, HP21 8ES
Tuesday 21 June at Chiltern Hills Academy, Chartridge Lane, Chesham, HP5 2RG
Thursday 23 June at Cressex School, Holmers Lane, High Wycombe, HP12 4QA
Tuesday 28 June at The Grange School, Wendover Way, Aylesbury, HP21 7NH
The sessions will start with an introductory short talk from the Barnardo’s R U Safe team followed by a drop-in marketplace where senior staff from Barnardo’s R U Safe, Thames Valley Police, BCC Children’s Social Care and Youth Service teams will be available to talk to the public, give help and advice, and answer questions about what is being done in Bucks to tackle CSE.
Fran Gosling-Thomas, Chair of Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board, said: “All our partners in Buckinghamshire are working very hard to combat child sexual exploitation. The information events are an opportunity for the public to talk directly to police, social care, Barnardo’s, Youth Services and others about the work that is going on in their area, and find out how they can be alert themselves.”
Lin Hazell, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “I urge parents, carers, community leaders and members of the public to come along to a session. An hour or two of their time will arm them with important knowledge on how to spot the signs of CSE which could be vital in protecting and keeping their own and other children safe.”
Child sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse. It involves perpetrators grooming their victims in a variety of ways, this can be in person, text messaging or online to gain their trust before emotionally and sexually grooming them for their own gain. It can be extremely difficult to recognise, as many of the warning signs are similar to challenges that all parents face with young teenagers as they are growing up and becoming more independent.
Express your interest in coming to an event by emailing communications@buckscc.gov.uk – but also feel free to drop in on the night.
To find out more about child sexual exploitation visit www.ruwise2it.co.uk