This article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Education Safeguarding Professional, Jatinder Matharu, on behalf of Maryam Hussain Prevention Lead (Exploitation Prevention Programme CSE/A, CCE, Modern Slavery) for the attention of Partners.
#Look Closer is the national partnership campaign with the National County Lines Co-ordination Centre and the British Transport Police aiming to raise awareness of child exploitation and abuse, with a particular focus on public spaces. The campaign also seeks to challenge assumptions and stereotypes of victimhood and highlights that child exploitation can happen anywhere and any young person can be a victim.
This October we have a particular focus on gender and how our assumptions can impact the way we safeguard and support young victims of exploitation. This will include a new resource for professionals and a new session on our Programme of Learning and includes asking professionals to consider how they can be more inclusive of trans and non-binary young people, to better protect them from harm.
The updated content includes:
- Guidance and advice for a wide range of audiences.
- Free resources.
- Free Programme of Learning events during the week commencing 3 October 2022.
- Suggestions on how those involved can engage with campaign.
While this article includes an invite to the Programme of Learning, all other materials are on the #Look Closer Website. To access these simply scroll to the bottom of the page and provide your Job Title, Organisation and Region. Once completed you will be provided with a link to access and download everything.
The #LookCloser Launch Briefing is on 3 October 2022, the campaign's weeks focus will be on the campaign's overall aim and objectives, signposting to materials and ideas on how to use these to raise awareness of child exploitation and abuse in your area.
To join please use the following link to register: #Look Closer Campaign October 2022
For any further queries please contact: Prevention@childrenssociety.org.uk