A PILOT scheme, funded by the Home Office, is working across Ealing to support young people aged 10-18 at risk of being exploited.

Trusted Spaces is a joint venture by children’s charity St Christopher’s, mental health charity MAC-UK and Ealing Council.

The team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to work directly with young people and their families. They are based in and around youth centres, schools and in the community.

Trusted Spaces allows young people at risk of exploitation and violence to build relationships with adults they can trust.

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They can refer themselves or their friends if they would like support. Professionals and family members can also make referrals.

On Saturday, Trusted Spaces welcomed young people and professionals from across Ealing to the Bollo Brook Youth Centre in Acton to raise awareness.

Trusted Spaces manager Ione Fraser said: “Young people have told us that having a trusted adult they can turn to in times of need is integral for helping them make the right choices and keep themselves safe.”

trustedspaces@stchris.org.uk