SME News Q3 2024/ 26 Most Empowering Exploited Children & Young People’s Support Charity 2024 Every child has the right to a childhood in which they feel safe, heard, and nurtured, free from exploitation and abuse. Across the country, organisations have formed to provide children with the valuable resources and safeguarding necessary to protect their childhoods. Link to Change is the only voluntary organisation working across Bedfordshire and Luton to exclusively support these highly vulnerable and at-risk group. Here, we speak with Hayley Brown, CEO of Link to Change, as we learn more about the charity’s philanthropic journey. Founded in 2011, Link to Change is driven by a team dedicated to meeting the increasing demand for exploitation support. The charity works with children and young people, aged 7-26 years old, aiming to provide vital support in times of crisis through a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach. Link to Change is spearheaded by CEO Hayley Brown, whose career trajectory has included numerous pivotal roles geared towards ensuring the welfare of children and young people. “My passion for working with children and young people to overcome trauma is vital for nurturing their emotional wellbeing and allowing them to thrive despite their challenges,” Hayley tells us. “This passion provides support, guidance, and a safe space for healing, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives despite their past experiences.” The charity structures its service provisions under its philosophy of three main strands, with Choice (Prevention), Challenge (Cycle of Exploitation), and Change (Youth Participation). First, Link to Change helps children and young people learn to make an informed Choice by raising awareness, educating, and developing critical thinking skills that enable them to make informed decisions and prevent exploitation. Then, the charity Challenges the cycle of exploitation by providing long-term support to build the wellbeing and resilience of children and young people who have suffered from exploitation. Finally, Link to Change strives to Change the lives of children and young people who have been exploited, returning power to them. With the right support, they can rebuild their sense of self, heal from the abuse they have suffered, and learn how to use their experience to support others and make a change. Presently, Link to Change sees approximately 19 referrals a month, with a 233% increase in demand for its services from 2020. As of June 2023, Government data indicated that over 16,000 children face sexual exploitation in England each year, and at least 27,000 children are at risk of being criminally exploited by organised crime gangs. Bedfordshire and Luton, Link to Change’s services area, has been ranked as the sixthhighest position in the country for child exploitation. Additionally, Bedfordshire Police has reported a 32% increase in violent and sexual offenses, and more than 400 victims of modern slavery. Such high statistics evidence the urgency for Link to Change’s expertise, knowledge, and support within the county. “Link to Change provides immediate relief and support to victims, but also plays a crucial role in prevention, advocacy, and systemic change,” says Hayley. “Our holistic approach aims to create lasting impact by addressing both the immediate needs of individuals and the underlying factors contributing to exploitation.” Link to Change provides children and young people with one-to-one support, outreach work, targeted group work programmes, and co-delivered information workshops. During the initial risk assessment and referral processes, children and young people are assessed using a contextual safeguarding framework, one of the most current and effective approaches. Moving forward, Link to Change plans to continue innovating within the charity sector. This will involve setting strategic goals and initiatives that are aimed at maximising impact, enhancing operational efficiency, and adapting to evolving societal needs. The charity will be developing sustainable funding models that will reduce Link to Change’s reliance on traditional sources and increase its financial resilience. Additionally, it will continue to strengthen its ties with the community through engagement initiatives that will empower stakeholders, volunteers, and beneficiaries. Through doing so, Link to Change can increase community engagement and advocacy whilst empowering children and young people across the county. We ask how the community can get involved in Link to Change’s journey and Hayley replies, “Join us in making a lasting impact against child exploitation. Together, we can empower survivors, advocate for justice, and prevent future exploitation. Your support matters – whether through donations, volunteering your time and skills, or raising awareness in your community. Visit our website to learn how you can get involved and be a catalyst for change. Together, let’s create a world where every individual lives free from exploitation and has the opportunity to thrive. Take action today with Link to Change.” Contact: Hayley Brown Company: Link To Change Web Address: www.linktochange.org.uk
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==