“You in?” to tackle Child Exploitation

“You in?” has been written and produced by Worcester Theatres in collaboration with the Get Safe team at Worcestershire Children First.

The play aims to educate children and young people on what they can do if they feel like they are being taken advantage of or exploited. At the end of each performance, the Get Safe team encourages children to ask questions on topics such as how to keep safe online and offer advice on how they can prevent themselves from being targeted.

Emma Brittain, Director of Early Help, Children in Need and Family Front Door at Worcestershire Children First said: “We are proud to be part of the collaboration between Worcester Theatres and our Get Safe team. It is crucial that we equip children and young people with the knowledge and awareness of what can happen and who can help and protect them against those who exploit children and young people. 

“The Get Safe team’s attendance at the show is an excellent way to engage children and young people in what are sometimes very difficult conversations.”

Aaron Corbett, Outreach and Participation Officer at Worcester Theatres, said: “You in?” is a brand-new ‘theatre in education’ performance that deals with the growing concern of child manipulation and grooming. 

“This piece explores online safety, gang culture, the hurt that comes from feeling invisible and the consequences of putting trust in the wrong people. This performance aims to educate children and young people on what they can do If they feel like they are being taken advantage of and things that can prevent them from being targeted initially.”

Through the months of September and October, “You in?” will tour across schools in the county. The play is set to reach over 3900, spreading awareness and empowering children and young people to spot the signs of exploitation and stay safe. 

Get Safe is a multi-agency partnership approach to identifying, tackling and protecting children and young people experiencing or at risk of criminal exploitation, working across Worcestershire communities to disrupt and pursue the perpetrators.