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A unique collaboration between the Children’s Society and a popular UK fast food chain is making strides in the fight against child exploitation. Chicken Cottage, which boasts 70 outlets nationwide, has partnered with the charity to equip their staff with the skills to identify potential signs of exploitation. The initiative, launched in Luton with the opening of a new store in May, aims to heighten awareness and prevent instances of child exploitation in the community.
The head of corporate engagement for The Children’s Society, Rowan Glover-James, emphasized the importance of reaching children and young people in spaces like chicken shops to address the issue of exploitation. With statistics showing that 1 in 24 11-17 year-olds in England are at risk of exploitation, and less than half of secondary school students feeling safe in their communities after dark, the partnership’s proactive approach is crucial in combatting this pervasive crime.
Groomers often lure young people with offers of food and clothing before subjecting them to various forms of abuse, such as sexual exploitation, forced labor, or criminal activities like drug trafficking. Recognizing the pivotal role that businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors play in eradicating exploitation, The Children’s Society’s #LookCloser campaign encourages vigilance and education. Through joint efforts with Chicken Cottage, staff across franchises in cities like Manchester, Newcastle, and Greater London are undergoing training to create safer environments for youth.
Children’s Society CEO Mark Russell underscored the community-focused nature of the partnership, emphasizing the collective responsibility to safeguard vulnerable children. The franchisee of the Luton Chicken Cottage, Jeyakumar Veeramalai, expressed pride in contributing to the initiative and supporting the charity’s mission. By leveraging local businesses and fostering community involvement, the collaboration aims to empower individuals to take a stand against child exploitation and ensure the safety of young people in their neighborhoods
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