Today we spoke with PC Joe Davis from Sussex Police about how to keep our teens safe, whether there’s been a rise in incidents involving young people since lockdown and back to school concerns.

Joe spoke about trust, and said that “young people will appreciate being trusted a little bit. We need to trust them to socially distance and follow the guidelines… it’s up to them to consider their role in keeping everybody safe”.

Sussex Police’s strategies around connecting with young people are to stay relevant – they have a strong social media presence (links below) – as well as a focus on talking to young people, in order to reach out and break down barriers. Engage, explain, encourage… and enforce as a last resort.

If you missed it, you can catch the 20 minute Q&A here:

Live Q&A with PC Joe Davis

Make (Good) Trouble founder Daisy Cresswell speaks to Sussex Police PC Joe Davis, Prevention Youth Officer about teenage safety, return to school concerns and supporting young people

Posted by Make Good Trouble on Thursday, 3 September 2020

Useful links
Sussex Police on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
Yourpolice.uk on Instagram (content and advice aimed at young people)
Fearless, a charity that provides a crimestoppers service for young people
Sussex Police online – report a crime – which you can do anonymously if you wish

Next week, we’ll be talking to Kit Messenger, co-founder of Changing Chances, a former primary school Headteacher, a tutor at the University of Sussex and a qualified coach. Kit works to bring about big changes in how challenging behaviour is tackled in the education system and beyond. If you have any questions for Kit around helping your young people ease back into school life, worries about their mental health and wellbeing, pop them in the comments below or on our Facebook Page.

⭐️ LIVE Q&A with Kit Messenger at 11am on Thursday 10th September on our Facebook Page.

Back in May, our teen reporter Lola spoke to Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner for England, and asked her about what she was doing to safeguard young people during the pandemic. This month, we met up with Anne again, this time answering questions she’d put to our teens.

Watch the film to find out how our teens would like society to change and what they’d do if they were Prime Minister for a day…

Thanks to Lola, Liv, Jude, Gemma and Anne Longfield for giving their time for this interview.

You can watch the previous interview with Lola and Anne Longfield below

Our Raising Teens radio show looks at domestic abuse this week and how lockdown has exacerbated the issue. The National Domestic Abuse helpline reports a 25% increase in calls and online requests for help since the lockdown. This episode aims to raise awareness and provide advice for those who may be listening and need help. Guests discuss all forms of family abuse including child to parent abuse. If you need help or support with this issue, we have included lots of useful resources at the bottom of this post.

Host Guy Lloyd talks to Jane Griffith, Director at the charity CAPA (Child and Adolescent to Parent Abuse), Alex Psaila from Relate and PC Roisin Vafaee from Sussex Police.

Our teen reporter, Lola Ray, talks to a mother and daughter who have experienced domestic violence and child to parent abuse in the home.

You can hear Raising Teens on BBC Radio Sussex and Surrey at 7.30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays and online on BBC Sounds.

🔊 Listen to Raising Teens: Domestic abuse in Lockdown on BBC Sounds

Listen to previous episodes of Raising Teens:

🔊 Listen to Separated Parenting in Lockdown on BBC Sounds

🔊 Listen to Lockdown Home Schooling on BBC Sounds

🔊 Listen to Anxiety in a Pandemic on BBC Sounds

HELP & ADVICE

In an emergency call 999. If it is not safe for you to speak you can use the Silent Solution system – call 999, and if the operator hears no response, you will be directed to press ‘55’ if you need help. The conversation will then continue in a way that allows the caller to communicate by using yes/no to answer questions.

24hr National Domestic Abuse Helpline freephone 0808 2000 247 

Refuge, supporting women and children who experience all forms of  violence and abuse

Women’s Aid, a grassroots federation working together to provide life-saving services in England and build a future where domestic abuse is not tolerated

Rise, an independent, Brighton-based registered charity that helps people affected by domestic abuse. Rise offers practical help ranging from direct advice to refuge accommodation for those whose lives are at risk.

NSPCCWhat is child abuse?

CAPA, responding to Child or Adolescent to Parent Abuse.​ Supporting parents, grandparents, carers, young people and professionals

Domestic Abuse Survivors’ Alliance, a Brighton-based peer support group for anyone who has experienced, or been affected by, domestic abuse.

The Portal, a partnership of leading Sussex Domestic and Sexual Abuse Charities with a combined experience of over 60 years supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and violence. Freephone 0300 323 9985  

Brighton & Hove Council help for victims of domestic abuse

Respect Phoneline, a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for domestic abuse perpetrators and those supporting them.  Freephone 0808 8024040

Survivor’s Network, offering support for those who have been raped or sexually assaulted.

HELP IN LOCKDOWN

If you are self-isolating with someone who makes you feel unsafe, Rise has produced a guide to help you stay safe at home during lockdown

HELP WITH DRUGS AND ADDICTION

Talk to Frank, information about drugs

Young Minds on drugs and alcohol

Childline, information about addiction

We want to develop super-relevant content and support for parents, carers and young people during lockdown and beyond. Please scroll through the survey below – it takes just one minute – and it will help us to get a better understanding of our community and how we can support you.

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