New child exploitation training offered – West Berkshire

Two new training sessions are being offered to practitioners from across West Berkshire who work to support children, helping raise understanding of child exploitation, the risks and signs to spot.

The Violence Prevention Partnership’s training team is working with colleagues from West Berkshire Council to deliver two free-to-attend, in-person training sessions which will be held at Shaw House in Newbury in September and October.

Each session is led by experts in child protection from the Violence Prevention Partnership. They will cover the emerging issues and trends regarding child exploitation, including sexual exploitation, county drugs lines and online harms. The training is designed to help support professionals in their understanding of the contextual reality of exploitation, its effects on young people and what to do if you have a concern. The training will also cover the “Stay True to You” approach, supporting positive conversations with young people. The sharing of information and benefits of partnership working will also be explored.

By the end of the session, practitioners attending should feel confident to identify concerns in relation to exploitation and their role in supporting young people, prevention and what actions to take.

The training is suitable to all professionals who may be new to working with young people, those looking to increase their awareness and understanding of the issue as well as a refresher.

The sessions are free to attend, open to those working in paid-for roles in public sector and voluntary/community organisations.

Booking is in advance via the following links.

Both training sessions are to be held at West Berkshire Council’s Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, RG14 2DR

Key contact for any questions: lucinda.bevan@thamesvalley.police.uk