Plays will help Rotherham children’s understanding of CSE

The Working for Marcus and Chelsea’s Choice dramas are designed to help young people gain a deeper understanding of the grooming process and the potential risks, in a memorable, informative and thought-provoking way.

The productions focus on the subtleties of grooming, online safety, exploitation through social media, gangs and violence against women and girls.

There is also an emphasis on the sources of help and advice available.

Staff from Barnardo’s are on hand at performances to talk to young people about their concerns.

The dramas are being put on at all Rotherham secondary schools throughout this school year, with each one being suitable for younger or older students. Funding for the project was secured by the Rotherham Healthy Schools Team from Public Health and the Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group.

Cllr Gordon Watson, deputy leader of Rotherham Borough Council and Advisory Cabinet Member with responsibility for children’s and young people’s services, said: “These productions confront very difficult and sensitive issues and are just one of the many ways we are tackling the issue of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham.

“We hope that by reaching young people in school we have not just a captive audience, but we also give young people the opportunity to access support if needed and the knowledge to spot the signs of child sexual exploitation so we can prevent further cases in the future.”

Anyone with concerns about child sexual exploitation can contact the Rotherham sexual exploitation helpline on 0800 7319 256, or email [email protected] or visit the website www.rotherhamstandingtogether.org.uk