Safer Communities & Partnership Team organise successful second conference

Date Added: 11/10/2021

150 people attended to learn more about exploitation

Over 150 people attended an online conference in September, organised by our Safer Communities & Partnership Team.
As part of the team’s ongoing work to tackle exploitation, along with other partner agencies, they continue to work to raise awareness of different types of exploitation including cuckooing, child sexual exploitation (CSE) and forced labour.

Eight different agencies spoke at the event, including the National Crime Agency, Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, YouTurn Futures, Path to Recovery, and Central Bedfordshire Council’s Adult Services team and Housing team.

St Giles Trust also presented and featured the stories of two young people who had previously been exploited by gangs. They spoke about their own experiences, offering a valuable insight into how young people are targeted and exploited into criminality. Both have since turned their lives around after receiving support from St Giles Trust, which works with people facing challenges including poverty, deprivation, mental health issues and crime and helps them build a better future.

The virtual conference was the second organised by the team this year – they held their first in March.

Concerned about cuckooing or exploitation?
To report concerns about cuckooing, email our Safer Communities and Partnership team: [email protected]

You can also call Bedfordshire Police on 101 or report online using the force's online reporting centre, or report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.