Sutton unites to tackle child exploitation

This Child Exploitation Awareness Week, Sutton Council is working with local schools, youth services, the Met Police, NHS partners and community organisations to raise awareness of how to spot and report child exploitation. 

Building on the success of last year’s campaign, which saw record engagement from young people and professionals, this year’s theme focuses on helping young people recognise, report and respond to exploitation in their communities. From 17 - 21 March, Sutton residents can take part in a range of activities including:

• An event in McDonald’s on Sutton High Street on Tuesday 18 March from 2-5pm to engage with young people and support them to understand the different types of exploitation, recognise early warning signs and know where to go for support.
• An event at Sutton Family Fun Zone in the St Nicholas Shopping Centre on Thursday 20 March from 2-5pm to encourage conversations and raise awareness in a family friendly environment. 
• Information stalls in Civic library from 12-5pm on Wednesday 19 March, offering advice and support from safeguarding professionals while distributing backpacks, alarms and resource packs for young people. 
• People from 11-18 years old are being asked to complete the annual child exploitation survey for young people.
• Professionals are being asked to complete the annual child exploitation survey for practitioners.

Alongside these events, the Council and partners will continue to work directly with community organisations to equip young people and professionals with the tools to identify exploitation and encourage early intervention.

If you suspect child exploitation, please report it to the Children’s First Contact in the first point on 02087706001. For out of hours, please contact the Emergency Duty Team on 02087705000 and in an emergency call 999 directly.