Workshops help young people in Gwent recognise exploitation and access support

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd has supported the charity Missing People to deliver workshops for children and young people in Gwent who have been identified as being at heightened risk of exploitation.

The sessions aim to equip children aged 13 to 16 with the knowledge and skills to recognise different forms of exploitation, including grooming, and understand how to access help and support.

The charity has worked closely with Gwent Police and Gwent’s pupil referral units to identify children who may benefit from the sessions. By helping young people recognise potential risks and know where to turn for support, Missing People aims to reduce the number of children who go missing each year in the UK.

Jane Mudd said: “It is important that we recognise that some children involved in crime or antisocial behaviour may also be among those most vulnerable to exploitation by others.

“These workshops help children to understand what exploitation can look like, recognise when something may not be right, and know that support is available. By giving young people the confidence to seek help, we hope to reduce the number of children who go missing from our communities and help prevent further harm.”