Campaign aims to keep children safe from abuse

A new campaign to help tackle child sexual and criminal exploitation has been launched in Renfrewshire.

- EDEL KENEALY

‘Ready to Talk’ - which is being delivered by NSPCC Scotland in partnership with community charity I Am Me Scotland and Renfrewshire Child Protection Committee - aims to support children, young people, professionals, parents and carers to have conversations about child sexual exploitation.

It will also help to increase people’s understanding of the issue, including knowing the signs and where to get support and advice.

The campaign, designed for young people aged 11 and over, was officially launched this week at an event hosted by St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation at the SMiSA Stadium.

The campaign will be touring around schools this month to perform a play ‘It's Not OK’ which has been written by York St John University with a Renfrewshire focus and contributions from local young people.

It highlights online safety issues including grooming, gaming and sexting, and explores healthy and unhealthy relationships and coping with strong emotions.