Jul 22, 2019 | Opinion, Press Releases
Building Stronger Wings
By Tracy Harrison, chief executive of specialist local charity Safe and Sound
Child sexual exploitation (known as CSE) is an issue which has a devastating effect on the lives of the individual young person as well as on their entire families.
Imagine how you would feel if you found out that your son, daughter or grandchild has been groomed, manipulated and then coerced into sexual activity?
Parents and families of the young people that we work with across Derbyshire constantly confide about their deep-seated feelings of guilt and helplessness.
They question why had they not spotted the warning signs and what could they have done to prevent the horrendous crime committed by these evil perpetrators?
Of course, what has happened to their children is not their fault or the fault of the young people.
The blame squarely lies with the perpetrators but the effects of their criminal behaviour deeply affect so many people.
There are however key behaviours that parents and indeed the wider community should be alert to and maybe the warning signs that a young person is being groomed or sexually exploited:
- Frequently going missing from home or school
- Going out late at night and not returning until morning
- Being picked up in cars by unknown adults
- Having a significantly older boyfriend, girlfriend or friend
- Unexplained money, possessions, mobile phone credit or a new mobile phone
- Changes in behaviour, for example becoming secretive or aggressive
- Increased use of mobile phone and/or internet activity
- Involvement in criminal activity
- Regularly going out and drinking alcohol and/or taking drugs
For many years, Safe and Sound has supported young people who are victims of or at risk of CSE but we recognise that more needs to be done to provide specialist help to their families as well.
As well as new programmes to provide even stronger support for children and young people, we need to raise the funds that will enable us to provide the 121 support for the wider family – whether that is for parents, grandparents or siblings.
That is why Safe and Sound has launched the Butterfly Appeal #BuildingStrongerWings which is a year-long programme of activity to raise funds and increase awareness of CSE.
The Butterfly Appeal is inspired by the bravery of the young people that we already work with who have found the strength to come out of a dark place and make changes in their lives that transform their futures.
Our plans range from recycling old mobile phones with profits donated to the appeal to organising special fund raising events from cycling to abseiling challenges.
For more information about Safe and Support can help and how to support the charity’s work in Derbyshire, please visit www.safeandsoundgroup.org and follow on Facebook and Twitter @safeandsoundgroup
Jul 19, 2019 | Fundraising, News, Press Releases
Derby-based specialist child exploitation charity Safe and Sound has made a key appointment to enable future service expansion
Tom Stanyard has been appointed Head of Fundraising at Safe and Sound which is the only local charity focused on transforming the lives of children and young people who are victims of or at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation, commonly referred to as CSE.
Mr Stanyard joins Safe and Sound from Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough where he was Corporate Partnership Fundraiser with previous experience in sales and business development.
His new role will focus on driving forward Safe and Sound’s Butterfly Appeal to raise vital funds for a new and innovative programme of support for young people, their families and wider local communities.
Safe and Sound Chief Executive Tracy Harrison explained: “We have already supported hundreds of children and young people who have already been sexually exploited and helped to protect many others in danger of online and direct grooming which is the first stage of these perpetrators’ evil manipulation.
“Moving forwards, we need to step up the support available in our local communities with new services such as outreach work, family support, youth work programmes, psychological therapy, longer term support for survivors and an expanded community education programme.
“However, we will not be able to do this without the support and generosity of businesses, groups and individuals across Derbyshire and have launched the Butterfly Appeal to raise vital funds to achieve our goals.
“Tom’s experience and evident passion for supporting and improving the quality of life for children and young people through his previous role will be vital as the Butterfly Appeal gathers pace.”
Mr Stanyard added: “I am honoured to be joining Safe and Sound at such a pivotal time for this well-respected charity and to bring the vision to reality.
“We are currently finalising a great programme of corporate partnerships and exciting fundraising challenges which will run alongside our widespread programme to raise awareness of CSE which affects so many children and young people and their families in our local communities.”
For more information about Safe and Support can help and how to support the charity’s work in Derbyshire, please visit www.safeandsoundgroup.organd follow on Facebook and Twitter @safeandsoundgroup #BuildingStrongerWings
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Media enquiries: Sarah Jenkin-Jones, JJPR, Tel: 01332 515102/07951 945665; [email protected]
About Safe and Sound and the Butterfly Appeal
Safe and Sound was launched in 2002 and is the only local charity that is totally focused on transforming the lives of thousands of children and young people who are victims or are at risk of child sexual exploitation across Derbyshire.
Safe and Sound’s expertise came to the fore during the 2010 landmark case – Operation Retriever – which was Derby’s first prosecution for child sexual exploitation and abuse. The charity’s specialist team supported every young person affected by the criminal actions of 13 defendants who were jailed in total for up to 22 years for 70 offences.
Safe and Sound’s specialist team provides individual support for children and young people from as young as eight up to the age of 18. They also raise awareness of the issue and the dangers facing children and young people through awareness programmes for schools, organisations, businesses and community groups.
Safe and Sound has launched the Butterfly Appeal #Buildingstrongwings to bring to fruition its vision for expanded services to support young people, families and wider community.
The charity’s future vision is extensive and includes:
– A new outreach programme to provide hands-on support where young people are at their most vulnerable
– Wider support for the families of victims and those at risk of CSE
– Youth work programmes with new activities from music to sport to build young people’s confidence and resilience
– Specialist psychological therapy programmes to tackle trauma, anxiety and depression
– Longer term support for survivors moving into adulthood enabling them to mentor younger victims
– An expanded community education programme to increase public awareness of CSE and the dangers facing young people
Supporters and ambassadors include the Chief Constable of Derbyshire who has chosen Safe and Sound as one of his chosen charities.
For more information about child sexual exploitation, Safe and Sound Derby and the Butterfly Appeal please visitwww.safeandsoundgroup.co.ukand follow on social media.A powerful video outlining young people’s experiences and why local people and businesses should support Safe and Sound is online at https://youtu.be/xjcb1y2cfGE
About CSE
In the UK today, one in 20 children suffer sexual abuse which includes child sexual exploitation. That means that in every classroom in Derbyshire, there is at least one vulnerable young person in need of help.
Child Sexual Exploitation (commonly referred to as CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse and takes many different forms from rape and sexual assault to online grooming and encouraging children to share inappropriate images of themselves.
CSE is a particularly manipulative form of abuse and is also linked to such criminal exploitation issues such as County Lines, gangs, trafficking and modern slavery.
The key factor is that individuals or groups take advantage of young people by manipulating or deceiving them into sexual activity in exchange for something the victim needs or wants. This could range from money and alcohol to less tangible things such as the attention that they crave at a vulnerable time in their lives.
Jul 9, 2019 | Fundraising, Press Releases
A Derby charity’s fundraising appeal has got off to a flying start thanks to a recycling initiative spearheaded by a local business.
Safe and Sound recently launched the Butterfly Appeal to raise funds needed to expand its work to transform the lives of children and young people in the county who are victims of or at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).
One of the businesses who immediately signed up to back the appeal was Sinfin-based Century Mobile.
The company is collecting old mobile phone handsets which are then recycled and all money collected is donated to Safe and Sound’s Butterfly Appeal.
Century Mobile has already collected unwanted handsets from business customers HUUB and from Derby County Football Club – raising £200 for the appeal.
Century Mobile Managing Director Scott Harrhy said: “As a business committed to supporting local communities and as the father of young children, I was determined to do all that I could to support Safe and Sound.
“We specialise in finding our customers the right mobile phone package to improve their business communications and the recycling of unwanted, obsolete and damaged handsets is therefore the perfect way for us to raise vital funds for this amazing charity.
“We are grateful to both HUUB and DCFC for helping us to get this off the ground and will be spreading the word with all of our customers to support this appeal.”
Mr Harrhy continued: “I was horrified when I met with the Safe and Sound team and learned the uncomfortable truth about the dangers that our children and young people face at the hands of these evil perpetrators.
“We all know about the dark side of the internet but I was particularly shocked about how easy it is for groomers to find and manipulate children online.
“This is therefore an issue that could affect the lives of any family – whoever they are and wherever they live.
“I would appeal to everyone to search through their office and kitchen drawers and give us their old handsets which we are happy to pick up and make it easy to contribute to this appeal.”
Safe and Sound CEO Tracy Harrison concluded: “We are very grateful to Century Mobile for quickly turning awareness about CSE into tangible action and for their customers who have already supported the mobile phone recycling initiative.
“By simply donating an old, unused handset, we can raise vital funds for the Butterfly Appeal to help us to support even more young people who are vulnerable to or currently facing sexual exploitation.
“CSE not only affects the children and young people targeted by perpetrators but their whole family and the Butterfly Appeal will enable us to support them as well as providing the vital education across the wider public to make them aware of the dangers facing our local communities.”
To recycle your old phones to raise money for Safe and Sound, please telephone 01332 362120 to arrange collection.
For more information about how to support Safe and Sound, please visit www.safeandsoundgroup.org.uk and follow on Facebook and Twitter @safeandsoundgroup or email [email protected]
ends
Media enquiries: Sarah Jenkin-Jones, JJPR, Tel: 01332 515102/07951 945665; [email protected]
About Safe and Sound and the Butterfly Appeal
Safe and Sound was launched in 2002 and is the only local charity that is totally focused on transforming the lives of thousands of children and young people who are victims or are at risk of child sexual exploitation across Derbyshire.
Safe and Sound’s expertise came to the fore during the 2010 landmark case – Operation Retriever – which was Derby’s first prosecution for child sexual exploitation and abuse. The charity’s specialist team supported every young person affected by the criminal actions of 13 defendants who were jailed in total for up to 22 years for 70 offences.
Safe and Sound’s specialist team provides individual support for children and young people from as young as eight up to the age of 18. They also raise awareness of the issue and the dangers facing children and young people through awareness programmes for schools, organisations, businesses and community groups.
Safe and Sound has launched the Butterfly Appeal #Buildingstrongwings to bring to fruition its vision for expanded services to support young people, families and wider community.
The charity’s future vision is extensive and includes:
– A new outreach programme to provide hands-on support where young people are at their most vulnerable
– Wider support for the families of victims and those at risk of CSE
– Youth work programmes with new activities from music to sport to build young people’s confidence and resilience
– Specialist psychological therapy programmes to tackle trauma, anxiety, and depression
– Longer-term support for survivors moving into adulthood enabling them to mentor younger victims
– An expanded community education programme to increase public awareness of CSE and the dangers facing young people
Supporters and ambassadors include the Chief Constable of Derbyshire who has chosen Safe and Sound as one of his chosen charities.
For more information about child sexual exploitation, Safe and Sound Derby and the Butterfly Appeal please visit www.safeandsoundgroup.co.uk and follow on social media. A powerful video outlining young people’s experiences and why local people and businesses should support Safe and Sound is online at https://youtu.be/xjcb1y2cfGE
About CSE
In the UK today, one in 20 children suffer sexual abuse which includes child sexual exploitation. That means that in every classroom in Derbyshire, there is at least one vulnerable young person in need of help.
Child Sexual Exploitation (commonly referred to as CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse and takes many different forms from rape and sexual assault to online grooming and encouraging children to share inappropriate images of themselves.
CSE is a particularly manipulative form of abuse and is also linked to such criminal exploitation issues such as County Lines, gangs, trafficking and modern slavery.
The key factor is that individuals or groups take advantage of young people by manipulating or deceiving them into sexual activity in exchange for something the victim needs or wants. This could range from money and alcohol to less tangible things such as the attention that they crave at a vulnerable time in their lives.
Jul 1, 2019 | Fundraising
Leading Midlands accountancy firm Dains have helped kickstart a new appeal launched by Derby charity Safe and Sound – presenting a giant cheque to support its specialist work with young people across the county.
Safe and Sound recently launched is Butterfly Appeal to raise much-needed funds to expand its work to transform the lives of children and young people in the county who are victims of or at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).
Dains have raised £2,920 for the Butterfly Appeal after choosing Safe and Sound as their charity of the year. Staff raised money in a number of ways including joining the charity’s ‘September Stomp’, holding cake sales and holding monthly ‘dress down’ days.
Dains Corporate Tax Manager Charlotte Gosling said: “Having heard about the vital work that Safe and Sound do to keep children and young people safe in our local communities, we were keen to adopt them as our chosen charity for the year.
“Many of us have teenage children and the issue of online grooming, in particular, resonates in our own families considering that every young person – whatever their family background, age or culture – is in danger from manipulative predators.
“We are delighted that our contribution will help to kickstart Safe and Sound’s Butterfly Appeal and support Safe and Sound’s work to protect young people across the county.
Safe and Sound CEO Tracy Harrison continued: “CSE is a crime that is uncomfortable to discuss but we are determined to break down the taboos.
“By raising awareness, we hope that more individuals and companies will support the Butterfly Appeal to help us reach all of the young people who are vulnerable to or currently facing sexual exploitation.
“We are therefore very grateful to companies such as Dains who recognise the importance of our specialist work to guide and support young people away from exploitation and back to safety and dignity.”
For more information about how to support Safe and Sound, please visit www.safeandsoundgroup.org.uk and follow on Facebook and Twitter @safeandsoundgroup or email [email protected]
Also see: Butterfly Appeal 2019
Ends
Picture shows: Safe and Sound CEO Tracy Harrison (second left) receives the giant cheque from Dains.
Media enquiries: Sarah Jenkin-Jones, JJPR, Tel: 01332 515102/07951 945665; [email protected]
About Safe and Sound and the Butterfly Appeal
Safe and Sound was launched in 2002 and is the only local charity that is totally focused on transforming the lives of thousands of children and young people who are victims or are at risk of child sexual exploitation across Derbyshire.
Safe and Sound’s specialist team provides individual support for children and young people from as young as eight up to the age of 18. They also raise awareness of the issue and the dangers facing children and young people through awareness programmes for schools, organisations, businesses and community groups.
Safe and Sound has launched the Butterfly Appeal #Buildingstrongwings to bring to fruition its vision for expanded services to support young people, families and wider community.
Supporters and ambassadors include the Chief Constable of Derbyshire who has chosen Safe and Sound as one of his chosen charities.
For more information about child sexual exploitation, Safe and Sound Derby and the Butterfly Appeal please visitwww.safeandsoundgroup.co.ukand follow on social media.
About CSE
Safe and Sound’s expertise came to the fore during the 2010 landmark case – Operation Retriever – which was Derby’s first prosecution for child sexual exploitation and abuse. The charity’s specialist team supported every young person affected by the criminal actions of 13 defendants who were jailed in total for up to 22 years for 70 offences.
Child Sexual Exploitation (commonly referred to as CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse and takes many different forms from rape and sexual assault to online grooming and encouraging children to share inappropriate images of themselves.
CSE is a particularly manipulative form of abuse and is also linked to such criminal exploitation issues such as County Lines, gangs, trafficking and modern slavery.
The key factor is that individuals or groups take advantage of young people by manipulating or deceiving them into sexual activity in exchange for something the victim needs or wants. This could range from money and alcohol to less tangible things such as the attention that they crave at a vulnerable time in their lives.
