WITH high profile cases of child sexual exploitation making the news on a worryingly regular basis, young people at a Horwich secondary school have been learning how to keep themselves safe.

Rivington and Blackrod High School raised awareness of the subject among its pupils and parents through a powerful drama illustrating how young people can unknowingly become victims of exploitation.

Applied theatre specialists Alter Ego Creative Solutions performed the acclaimed play Chelsea’s Choice for years eight and nine children during the day and for parents in the evening.

The play — based on a true story — has now been seen by over 250,000 young people around the UK. It tells the story of a group of three students who discover the diary of a girl called Chelsea.

Chelsea was a young girl who, having fallen out with her friends and family, was approached by a man called Gary.

Gary was older, owned a car, had a flat and treated her like an adult.

Unfortunately Gary was not what he seemed to be and Chelsea’s story is played out and examined by the three students along with their teacher in an attempt to understand what happened to Chelsea and how it could have been prevented.

The production explores the concepts of healthy relationship, safe internet use, risky behaviour, the grooming process, child sexual exploitation and where young people can go for help and advice

It is designed to be hard-hitting and relevant without being graphic or offensive.

Pam Hare, Coordinator of PSHCE said “The play has been shown across the UK to over 340,000 young people and professionals and we were aware of it through other work that we do around sexual exploitation”.

“Sexual exploitation is such a serious issue, and it is vital for young people to recognise what makes a healthy and an unhealthy relationship and be able to identify the signs of exploitation in all of its forms. It is important to us that all young people are kept safe and know how to access support if needed.”

“The play was based on a real story. Using a production like this to portray such a serious message allows characters feelings and emotions to be seen and dissected. The drama can also help to demystify the process of exploitation and bring it into the real world.”

Pupils in all years will be exploring the issues through their PSHCE programme.

Mrs Hare said: “We feel that it is very important for schools to teach young people to be safe out of school. We believe that by working in partnership with parents to raise awareness of these issues and identify signs of exploitation we will provide young people with the support that they need to be safe, healthy and lead happy lives. “

Rohini Krishnamurthy, Child Safeguarding Division, Department for Education, has said: "The Government believes that local initiatives like ‘Chelsea’s Choice’ have a key role to play in preventing grooming and exploitation and in helping keep children safe from this heinous crime.”

Chloe McGuinness, aged 12, said: “I really enjoyed seeing the play.

“ It felt more powerful because it was a true story.

“ Through it I have learnt that you shouldn’t talk to people you don’t know and you need to be more careful online to stay safe.”

Hannah Fletcher, aged 13, added: “The performance was very powerful and it gave me ideas as to how I can react to negative situations, in a positive way.

“I know now that I must not share information online and must keep my details very secure.”