Key Messages
- Together for Childhood brings the communities in Chell, Chell Heath and Fegg Hayes with local groups and organisations across Stoke-on-Trent, together to prevent child sexual abuse.
- Chell, Chell Heath and Fegg Hayes were chosen as there is already a strong and thriving network of community groups carrying out important work. We know that strong communities can help in our fight to keep children safe.
- Together for Childhood is a new project that aims to provide help and support for children and their families as early as possible to prevent sexual abuse from happening.
- In the local communities of Chell, Chell Heath and Fegg Hayes, the Big Local Partnership group brings together a thriving network of community groups carrying out vital work for children and families with a 10-year plan.
- Together for Childhood includes the NSPCC joining in a partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire Police, NHS trusts, community groups, children and families, the voluntary sector and schools.
- It is planned to last up to 10 years, but it’s hoped that positive work being done will last for years beyond that..
- Together for Childhood will include a range of new ideas which the local community will develop with the NSPCC and partners, including direct services for children, young people and families and public awareness campaigns.
- We want to help members of the community to understand what sexual abuse is and recognise that it can be prevented, and ensure they can respond if they have concerns relating to sexual abuse about a child/ family.
- We also want to help children and families be aware of what healthy relationships are and what sexual abuse is.
- It is important that children and families know where to access support and services if they are concerned about sexual abuse, and that they can take action if they are concerned about sexual abuse.
- Stoke-on-Trent is one of only four locations across the UK where Together for Childhood is being developed.
- Stoke-on-Trent was chosen as it was seen as a place where Together for Childhood could build on the positive work already being done by organisations and groups throughout the city, including the NSPCC and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
- These areas were chosen by partners involved in Together for Childhood based on the communities’ strengths. Community leaders applied to host the programme, and an interview also took place with community representatives setting out how they would want to be involved.
- Families have a crucial role in helping to develop Together for Childhood, which is why people in Chell, Chell Heath and Fegg Hayes have such an active role – as they have the knowledge, enthusiasm and motivation to help us all achieve this.
- These areas were not chosen because child sexual abuse is more common there than elsewhere.
- The most successful parts of Together for Childhood will be shared with other areas in Stoke-and-Trent, so they can replicate what works well.
Read more on the NSPCC website here.