East Ren tackling exploitation with series of free events

Local people are invited to a series of free events to find out how to keep children, young people and vulnerable adults safe from exploitation.

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 16 March 2015 15:26

Three special events are being arranged in March and April to bring together parents, community reps and local businesses with the agencies that work together to stamp out harm.

The events will tackle issues around child sexual exploitation and the abuse of vulnerable adults, and will provide advice to communities about the safety and welfare of everyone in East Ren.

They have been set up in response to parental concerns about internet safety and protecting young people from grooming.

Everyone is welcome to attend the free events and there is no need to book a place. Children over the age of 11 are also welcome to attend and will each receive a special backpack.

The three sessions are:
Keeping children safe in the community and online
Thursday 26 March from 7 to 8.30pm at The Foundry, Barrhead
Delivered by Children 1st, this event will provide advice about helping children to stay safe online, and explore parental concerns about the safety of children and others who may be targeted at home, in the community or online. The event will include a session promoting self esteem and well being in children and young people.

Tackling child sexual exploitation
Wednesday 1 April from 7 to 8.30pm at The Foundry, Barrhead
Delivered by Barnardo’s, the session will demonstrate how communities can act to spot and eradicate child sexual exploitation. The session is targeted at everyone who lives or works in East Ren including young people, parents and carers, and local businesses. Participants will learn how to tackle exploitation and will receive information packs to share with family, friends and customers.

Protecting women and vulnerable adults
Tuesday 7 April, from 7pm to 8.30pm at Clarkston Halls, Clarkston
This event will provide the opportunity to hear from the Women’s Support Project on a range of topics including forced marriage, female genital mutilation and how we can come together to tackle issues such as financial harm and the abuse of vulnerable adults.

East Renfrewshire convener for health and social care, Councillor Lafferty said: “We all have a responsibility for the well-being of children, young people and vulnerable adults in our community. These events will help to inform how we can all play a part to ensure that children and young people are safe and protected from harm or abuse, whilst undertaking activities that encourage them to develop and grow. They will also inform on how we can protect adults from harm too. ”

East Renfrewshire convener for education and equalities, Councillor Elaine Green, said: “These events are raising awareness of subjects that some people are uncomfortable to talk about. It’s important we work together as a community to tackle these issues. As a society it’s important we openly recognise how to safeguard everyone, and in particular our children, young people and women.”