Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner launches Youth Ambassador Project

Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, has allocated funding to a new youth project made up of over 30 children and young people.

The project will be spearheaded by the Breck Foundation, a charity set up following the death of a 14 year old child who was groomed and murdered by an individual he met online. The Foundation raises awareness of online safety for children and teenagers across the UK.

The project will bring together groups of 13- 18 year old ambassadors who will be trained in delivering presentations to young people on the dangers of online grooming and exploitation by sharing Breck's story.

15 schools in Sussex are taking part in the project, mainly focusing on years 9 and 10 however there will also be senior ambassadors of ages 16+ at Bhasvic College. The project intends not only to raise awareness of the issue of grooming, but also to empower young people and assist them at becoming confident public speakers.

With 70% of grooming taking place on social media, it's more important than ever for young people to be educated on the dangers of the internet.