FAMILIES in Tameside affected by child exploitation have made a powerful film about their experiences in the hope it helps others facing similar challenges.
They have been part of a new programme over several months, commissioned by local authorities.
The project entitled ‘Just One Favour’ has been funded by Tameside Community Safety Partnership and the council’s Complex Safeguarding Team, working in partnership with the creative group Odd Arts.
Odd Arts spent the initial weeks building trust with the group, which involved local families with lived experience of child exploitation – where children and young people are encouraged, trapped, forced or persuaded to carry out acts for the benefit of a person or group.
The team worked on creating a safe environment for parents and carers to have meaningful discussions about the systemic changes needed to better support families, and identify key issues such as the issues of blame and judgement.
The group created a film about their experiences to raise awareness and help prevent further children from being exploited, which also included the group’s top five asks of professionals working in the field.
Councillor Teresa Smith, Executive Member for Children and Families, said: “This project has been really valuable in creating a safe space for families to come together, feel safe and share their experiences, while also looking at what can be done to support families further and help prevent further families from being affected by child exploitation. Thank you to everyone involved.”
People can find out more about support available online at www.tameside.gov.uk/childabuse