Child Exploitation is a form of abuse. Young People often don't recognise they are being exploited, but exploitative situations and relationships often include victims receiving gifts, or other things they may want or need (such as friendship, drugs or alcohol, or a place to stay) as a result of them being involved in sexual or criminal activities. Exploitation can also occur online. Listen to my Story is a website aimed at young people, based on the experiences of young people who have been exploited.
Is St Helens, Catch 22 support young people who go missing from home or are at risk of CSE. Their website has some really useful information including a guide for parents to spot the signs of CSE, and information around CSE for young people.
You can get more information about the signs of exploitation and what to do if you are worried you or someone you know is being exploited.
PACE (Parents against Child Sexual Exploitation)
St Helens Young People's Drug and Alcohol Team (YPDAAT), provide young people and their families in St Helens with a range of interventions to help them to make informed choices around drug and alcohol use in order to achieve their full potential.
Despite what you might think, most young people chose not to use drugs or alcohol. Of those that do most young people will grow out of this without any issues.