Clifton Learning Partnership received a visit from the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings on Wednesday, 31 January 2018.

The Commissioner went along to their premises in Eastwood, Rotherham to hear about how the £4,667 funding awarded from his community grant scheme is helping Roma girls in Eastwood at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

Dr Billings visited the Centre whilst the weekly stay and play in progress.  He had the opportunity to look at the facilities used by families who regularly use the centre.

He said: “The funding to Clifton Learning Partnership is to help Roma girls living in the Eastwood area, understand the risks associated with CSE and understand how to avoid becoming involved in a relationship that is unhealthy and could cause them harm

“Support workers will educate young girls on the dangers of unhealthy relationships and speak to them in Roma, to ensure they have a full understanding.  Sessions are held throughout the week and provide support and advice on what to do if a young girl is worried about a relationship or what to do if a friend or someone they know could be at risk of abuse”

Helen Littlewood, Clifton Learning Partnership Director said: “The Clifton Learning Partnership is involved in a multi-agency operation, to engage with the local Roma community and raise the understanding and awareness of the risks of child sexual exploitation.

“The funding from the Commissioner will help us further develop one to one advocacy and support work with family and group sessions.

“We hope that this will enable these marginalised communities to speak out about their own experiences of abuse and play their full part in helping to protect children and young people”.

If you would like more information on the Clifton Learning Partnership please see website here – http://www.clifton-partnership.org.uk/index.asp