Volunteer 'ambassadors' to help young people in Sheffield at risk of being exploited by gangs

The Amber Project will help youngsters on the edge of sexual or criminal exploitation take the first step towards telling someone what is happening.

Young people came up with the idea as part of a new strategy to tackle abuse from outside the family, where parents’ relationships with their children are undermined by criminals. At least 70 children should benefit.

Ambassadors will include professionals such as teachers and social workers but crucially, volunteers working with youth and community groups will be specially trained in spotting the signs of grooming and how to speak to young people about exploitation.

They will wear a pin badge so young people are reassured they can confide in them.

Sheffield Council says volunteers play a critical role as they work across the city and engage with hard to reach groups, especially in deprived communities.

Helen Sweaton, an assistant director at the council, said it would help identify children at risk earlier, stop or reduce their involvement in antisocial, criminal and violent behaviour and collect information about those exploiting them.

“It’s a shift from working with parents to really focusing on young people’s experience and how we can help them.

“Amber can be a traffic light between whether to go for it or stop and it’s also a precious stone with healing qualities.

“When young people are involved in exploitation it’s often illegal activities and they are worried about telling an adult because of getting into trouble so they wanted an ambassador who would understand.

“It’s about recognising young people are being coerced and may want to get out. These children are often isolated and don’t go to school or youth groups so by having people all over that they can just approach, even if they don’t know them, there’s more chance to catch them early rather than waiting for a professional or agency to recognise there’s a problem.”

Anyone who is worried can call the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub on 0114 273 4855.