Campaign launched to help tackle child exploitation in Cumbria

Cumbria Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) in partnership with the NSPCC, have launched a twelve-month long campaign to tackle child exploitation in the county.

The CSCP, which is made up of representatives from Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Morecambe Bay CCG, NSPCC and other agencies will be launching the ‘It’s not ok’ campaign this month, with an initial focus on child criminal exploitation, before moving on to topics including healthy relationships and online safety.

The county wide campaign will include material aimed at a range of ages and audiences including young people, parents, carers and practitioners, with the aim to make people aware of the signs of child exploitation and how it can be reported, to help reduce child exploitation in Cumbria.

Gill Rigg, Independent Chair of Cumbria Safeguarding Children Partnership said: “Tackling child exploitation in Cumbria is a key objective for the CSCP.

“This is an important campaign. We want to get the message out there that any child, in any community is vulnerable to exploitation, this campaign aims to raise awareness of this often hidden crime.

“Together with our partners we are committed to protecting children from harm, and we are working to inform, educate and prevent child exploitation.

“It is important that everyone can recognise the signs of exploitation and know where to turn to for help so that interventions can be put in place at the earliest opportunity."

Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “Exploitation of children has to be the most despicable and damaging crime and I join with the Constabulary in making it clear we will do all we can to catch and prosecute offenders. We urge people to report any suspicious behaviour to Child-Line or the NSPCC Helpline. The message is a clear one, if you see something, say something.”