For the fourth year running the successful theatre production “Chelsea’s Choice” has been playing out at schools across the county.
Over the last five weeks, link the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Board (GSCB) has rolled out the play, which raises awareness of child sexual exploitation and equips young people with the skills and knowledge to keep themselves safe.
The special production called ‘Chelsea’s Choice’, is delivered by social enterprise company AlterEgo and over the last four years has been shown to approximately 28,000 13-year-old school pupils across the county as well as Gloucestershire Diocese and Gloucestershire College and University.
During November 2015, Gloucestershire Police also provided performances of the play to frontline police officers.
Chelsea’s Choice, an innovative production designed to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation, tackles grooming and internet safety issues and is supported by experienced professionals and a special curriculum lesson plan for teachers written by Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning (GHLL) in partnership with the GSCB.
The production has been a huge success, with 98% of 1,000 children surveyed following the production last year saying they now knew what they could do or who they could contact if they or a friend were at risk of being exploited.
As well as the play, all professionals working with young people in Gloucestershire have been informed of the updated Child Sexual Exploitation Protocol which was re-launched in July 2015 and are using the Child Sexual Exploitation screening tool to help identify those at risk.
In addition to getting messages out to young people and the community, behind the scenes almost 5,000 professionals working across police, social care, health and education continue to be trained to make sure they are informed on how to recognise the signs of child sexual exploitation, and are prepared to help stop it.
Jane Bee, Chair of the Education and Learning Sub Group of the GSCB said: “Chelsea’s Choice is continuing to help get messages out to young people about what exploitation is and the forms it takes, what they need to do and who they need to go to if they feel they or their friends are at risk.
“Young people have been very receptive to the play which is delivered by young actors who go out into the audience afterwards checking understanding and highlighting other choices Chelsea might have made to keep herself safe.
“We have also provided a keyring to every young person who has seen the play this year which includes information on the GSCB’s Twitter account and web address where they can find more information geared to young people.”
Cllr Paul McLain, Gloucestershire County Council’s cabinet member for children and families, said: “The impact of this play has been fantastic in teaching children and young people about the risks of being exploited.
“Keeping children and young people safe is a priority for us and using creative methods like this is a great way to ensure they get the right messages.”
If you think a child may be at risk of sexual exploitation please call the children’s helpdesk on 01452 426565.
Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For more information on the GCSB visit www.gscb.org.uk.