A borough-wide event aimed at helping young people spot the signs of exploitation brought together agencies from across Blackburn with Darwen as part of Exploitation Week.
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The Blackburn with Darwen Family Help Engage Team organised Building Safer Futures, which was hosted by Darwen Vale High School and Witton Park Academy. Around 1,350 students from all year groups took part.
Students were supported to learn who they can go to, how they can access support and what services are available to help them.
Councillor Julie Gunn, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and executive lead for Children and Education, said: “I think it’s important that young people recognise the signs of exploitation, but also to recognise that there’s support available and having all of our partners and the different organisations here today, alongside the council is a great resource.
This way young people know where to turn to, should they suspect that they might be being manipulated, or their friends might be. And likewise, the families, too, so hopefully they’ll go home, talk to their families and carers about what’s been shown to them today.”
The multi-agency event included Community Safety, Ivison Trust, Safer Neighbourhoods Police Teams, the Youth Justice Service, Early Break, BwD Champions, ADHD Northwest, re-Align Futures and the 180 Project.
Together, they worked with pupils aged 11 to 16 on substance and alcohol use, neurodiversity, smoking, crime and anti-social behaviour, mental and emotional health, and child exploitation.
Organisers said the interactive sessions, real-life discussions and specialist input were designed to encourage open, age-appropriate conversations, help pupils understand risks and recognise unsafe situations, and give them confidence to seek support when they need it.
