Young Women’s Group Pledges For CSE Awareness Day

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day was marked by a group of young women taking part in a residential course at Sandwell’s Frank Chapman Centre in Bewdley.

The Young Women’s Group, organised by Sandwell’s Young People’s Services took part in challenging outdoor activities throughout the weekend as well as discussing CSE and learning how to keep safe. They then took the time to make their pledges for CSE Awareness Day (Saturday 18 March).  

The group of young women aged 11-19 meet once a week and often take part in extra activities at the weekend. 

Councillor Simon Hackett Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The Young Women’s Group have done a great job in marking CSE Awareness Day. I know they also had a really rewarding experience at the Frank Chapman Centre.

 “These pledges from the young women reinforce our commitment to raising awareness and preventing it from happening. 

 “We hope the more people who know about the signs of CSE, the more people will report this abuse and help us to protect young people from becoming victims.” 

People can find out more information about child sexual exploitation by visiting www.seeme-hearme.org.uk. The site contains information about CSE and how to spot the warning sites. There are also targeted resources for schools and those who work in leisure and hospitality industries, such as hotels, leisure centres and taxi companies.

Anyone who is concerned about the safety of a young person should call West Midlands Police on 101, speak in confidence to Barnardo’s on 0121 3595333 or in an emergency call 999.

 Childline also has counsellors available online at www.childline.org.uk