Child Exploitation Conference 2023

Following on from the very successful Child Exploitation Conference in 2022, we are delighted to be able to confirm Somerset Council will be hosting a 2023 CE Conference on November 21^st at Canalside, Bridgwater. 

The fight against Child Exploitation is important, ongoing and complex.

 This conference will provide:

✓ High-level keynotes from leading organisations on the latest guidance and advice for effective multi-agency child protection

✓ A wide range of topics including building productive relationships with communities and families, responding to online grooming, and tackling county lines

✓ Networking opportunities with speakers and senior colleagues from across the public and voluntary sectors 

 Join us to hear updates from key organisations, listen to best practice case studies on a range of topics and network with other colleagues across Somerset.  We are delighted to announce the following guest speakers to this year’s event:

• Junior Smart, St Giles Trust who will share with you his lived experience as a way of breaking down the moment to moment realities of what is happening
• Helen Matthews & Andy Thompson, CYP First who will deliver a presentation on contextual safeguarding, peer on peer and serious youth violence
• Mark Whittaker, Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) will discuss County Lines both locally and nationally

St Giles Trust:           Home - St Giles (stgilestrust.org.uk)

CYP First:                  https://cypfirst.co.uk/

ROCU                        Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCUs) - NCSC.GOV.UK

The afternoon will be spent taking part in a series of workshops. 

I am sure you will understand that the Council are not able to fund large events such as this anymore, however we want to ensure that we maintain a collaborative and multi-agency approach and are therefore asking for you to pay a ticket price of just £25 per person, that includes a buffet lunch.  (please let me know of any dietary requirements, there will already be a vegetarian option available)

Note that the venue has a room located on the first floor, which we are planning to use, however there is no lift to the floor.  If this is an issue for you please do let me know prior to the event and we can ensure all of your workshops are located on the ground floor.

Please arrive at the venue in time for a prompt 09.15am start.  We aim to finish for 4.30pm