Service commissioned to support the most vulnerable

Committed to supporting victims of crime, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has commissioned Catch22 to deliver the new Support Through Exploitation and Prevention Service (STEPS).

With more than ten years of experience supporting victims of child exploitation across England, Catch22 is bringing this knowledge to West Mercia to provide both preventative support and expert care to children who are impacted by child criminal and child sexual exploitation.

West Mercia covers a large area, with lots of small, dispersed communities, spanning several counties. This can leave children feeling socially isolated and unable to access services to support them, making them vulnerable to grooming and exploitation.

Building on the success of initiatives already making a difference in West Mercia, Catch22 will be partnering with Willowdene and Brightstar Boxing.

Recognised nationally for its great work to rehabilitate female offenders, Willowdene is supported by the PCC and will help Catch22 to strengthen connections with local communities and ensure there is a united approach to reduce child exploitation across the three counties.

Ensuring a seamless pathway into diversionary sports activities, a proven way of helping young people to cope and recover, Catch22 will also partner with Brightstar Boxing.

To boost societal awareness of child criminal and child sexual exploitation, STEPS will run a series of workshops and training to professionals, children, parents, and carers around grooming and exploitation.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “Too often the most vulnerable in our society are exploited by dangerous criminals who prey on young people.

“That’s why it’s absolutely vital that there is a strong enforcement response to identify offenders and take them off our streets, as well as an expert-led service that supports victims, and those at risk of exploitation, to cope and recover.

“As PCC, I am proud to commission Catch22’s landmark service provision which has been shaped by victims, offering them the comprehensive support they need whilst building on successful initiatives that are already changing lives in West Mercia.”

Catch22 said: "At Catch22, we believe the best services come from listening to the young people we work with. So, we invited two groups of young people from West Mercia, along with our Youth Forum (made up of young people who’ve previously been supported by Catch22), to help us choose the name for the service."

A young person who helped to name the new service told us:   

“The name’s straightforward and easy to remember. It suggests a journey forward and positive progress.”

Another young person shared their enthusiasm:  

“Yes! Yes! Yes!”

STEPS (Support Through Exploitation and Prevention Service) | Catch22