Category: Children and young people

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson with members of the Surrey STEPS programme

Funding boost for alternative learning provision that teaches young people it’s safe to learn again

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A “UNIQUE” alternative learning facility in Woking will teach its students skills that will last a lifetime thanks to funding from Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

STEPS to 16, which is run by the Surrey Care Trust, offers educational support to children aged between 14 and 16 who are struggling with mainstream education.

The curriculum, which focuses on functional learning – including English and maths – as well as vocational skills such as cooking, budgeting and sports, is tailored to individual students.

Youngsters struggling with a range of social, emotional or mental health needs attend up to three days a week before taking their exams at the end of the year.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend recently approved a £4,500 grant that will boost the facility’s life skills lessons for a year.

Funding boost

The funding will enable students to develop their critical thinking skills, which teachers hope will support healthy life choices and good decision making when it comes to issues such as drugs, gang crime and poor driving.

Last week, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who leads the Commissioner’s work on provision for children and young people, made a visit to the facility.

During a tour, Ellie met with students, joined a life skills lesson, and discussed funding with programme manager Richard Tweddle.

She said: “Supporting Surrey’s children and young people is vitally important to the Commissioner and I.

“STEPS to 16 ensures that students who are finding it difficult to continue with traditional education can still learn in a safe setting.

“Unique” facility

“I saw first hand that the work done by STEPS helps students rebuild their confidence when it comes to learning, and helps set them up for the future.

“I was particularly impressed with the approach STEPS takes to help support all of their students through exams to ensure that the challenges they have faced within mainstream education do not prohibit them from achieving the qualifications they need for future success.

“Young people who don’t consistently attend school may well be more vulnerable to criminals, including the predatory county lines gangs which exploit children into dealing drugs.

“It is important that we recognise that mainstream schools may be too overwhelming or challenging for some students, and that alternative provisions that help keep these students safe and enable them to continue learning are key to their success and wellbeing.

“Good choices”

“The funding provided for life skills lessons will encourage these students to make good choices around friendships and inspire healthier behaviours that I hope will last for the rest of their lives.”

Richard said: “Our aim has always been to create a place where children want to come because they feel safe.

“We want these students to go onto further education or, if they choose, into a workplace, but that can’t happen unless they feel safe to risk learning again.

“STEPS is a unique place. There’s a sense of belonging that we encourage through trips, workshops and sports activities. 

“We want to ensure that every young person who comes through the door reaches their full potential, even if traditional education hasn’t worked for them.”

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner also funds enhanced Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) training for teachers in Surrey to support the county’s young people, as well as the Surrey Youth Commission, which puts youth voice at the heart of policing.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson with a design student

Camberley student lands dream job after leading rebrand of our Office

Posted on | by James Smith

IN 2022, local graphic design student Jack Dunlop won a competition launched by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Ellie Vesey-Thompson, winning a work placement with leading designers Akiko Design.

During a week-long internship in Bramley, Jack developed the concept that was used to create our new branding, and continues to boost awareness of the key role that the Commissioner and our team play in representing the voice of local people on policing.

Akiko were so impressed with Jack’s work that he has now become the latest addition to their team, following the completion of his studies at the University for Creative Arts in Farnham.

Providing more opportunities for children and young people is a key part of Ellie‘s focus in Surrey, which includes dedicated funding for services that help young people to stay safe and thrive.

During the placement, she worked closely with Jack to develop and present his ideas to our team.

Ellie said: “I couldn’t be prouder that Jack’s experience through our office has helped him to hit the ground running in a really exciting career.

“I was incredibly impressed with Jack’s creativity, enthusiasm, and the diligence and commitment he brought to the redesign of our brand. I hope that he will take immense pride in knowing that his vision and branding plays an important and visible role in the work that we carry out with Surrey Police and partners right across the county.

“We are very proud of our new look thanks to Jack’s hard work alongside Akiko.”

Since starting with Akiko in December, Jack has been working on several projects, from improving the design of an existing client’s website to image preparation for a large website set to launch this January.  Jack is also going to be heavily involved in the work on a new website Akiko has recently won the contract for.

He said: “During the second year of my graphic design degree, I won a competition to design the new logo for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, from which arose the opportunity to have a week’s work experience at Akiko.

“A year later, I am a full time designer with them! Woohoo!”

Craig Denford, Creative Director at Akiko Design, directly supported Jack during his time with Akiko.

He said: “When Jack came in for the week placement last year I was really impressed by his ability and his work ethic. Having seen his college portfolio he clearly has a lot of talent, which I would always place above experience/qualifications. Since joining he’s been very quick to learn the packages needed and I already feel I can trust him to do a good job with larger projects. He’ll be an invaluable member of the team I’m sure.”

Read about Jack’s experience, or learn more about our funding for local services.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson centre stands with Surrey Youth Commission members at the first ever Big Conversation Conference

Applications for youth forum open after first members flag mental health and substance misuse as priorities for police

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A FORUM that allows young people in Surrey to have their say on the crime and policing issues that affect them most is recruiting new members.

The Surrey Youth Commission, now in its second year, is opening applications to people aged between 14 and 25.

The project is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey and overseen by Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson.

New Youth Commissioners will have an opportunity to shape the future of crime prevention in the county by creating a series of priorities for both Surrey Police and the Commissioner’s office.

New Youth Commissioners will have an opportunity to shape the future of crime prevention in the county by creating a series of priorities for both Surrey Police and the Commissioner’s office. They will consult with peers and meet with senior police officers before presenting their recommendations at a public ‘Big Conversation’ conference in September next year.

Last year, Youth Commissioners asked more than 1,400 young people for their opinions ahead of the conference.

Applications open

Ellie, who has responsibility for children and young people in her remit, said: “I’m so proud to announce that the fantastic work done by our first-ever Surrey Youth Commission will continue into 2023/24, and I look forward to welcoming the new cohort in early November.

“Members of the initial Youth Commission achieved true excellence with their carefully-considered recommendations, many of which intersected with those already identified by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend.

“Reducing violence against women and girls, further education around mental health and substance misuse, and strengthening the relationships between communities and police are among the big priorities for our young people.

“We will continue to work towards addressing each of these issues, as well as those chosen by the Youth Commissioners who will join us in the weeks to come.

“Fantastic work”

“Lisa and I decided two years ago that a forum was needed to amplify the voices of young people in this county in an effort to shape the future of policing.

“In order to achieve this, we commissioned experts at Leaders Unlocked to put youth voice at the heart of what we do.

“The results of that work have been illuminating and insightful, and I’m thrilled to extend the programme for a second year.”

Click the button for more information, or to apply:

Apply now

Applications must be submitted by October 27.

The Deputy Commissioner has signed a pledge to act on the Surrey Youth Commission’s recommendations

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson centre stands with Surrey Youth Commission members at the first ever Big Conversation Conference

Deputy Commissioner launches first-ever Surrey Youth Commission conference as members give their priorities for policing

Posted on | by Alex Winter

YOUNG people from Surrey have revealed the policing and community safety issues that have the biggest impact on them at a county-wide conference.

The Surrey Youth Commission, which is fully-funded by the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), will help shape the future of crime prevention in the county, and its members have developed a list of priorities for both the Force and the OPCC.

These include substance misuse, violence against women and girls, and cybercrime. Youth commissioners presented their findings at their Big Conversation Conference, which took place in Woking last week.

Since early January, members aged between 14 and 25 have consulted with more than 1,600 of their peers to learn more about the issues affecting young people.

During the conference, they told an audience, which included Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Surrey Police Assistant Chief Constable Ali Barlow, that more must be done to educate young people on county lines drug dealing, sexual consent and being safe online.

Ellie, who has responsibility for children and young people in her remit and launched the Youth Commission last year, said the priorities identified “represent an opportunity for us all to learn and grow”.

She said: “The thoughtful, insightful findings by the Youth Commission allow us to look at the issues that acutely impact Surrey’s young people and really matter to them.

“Some of the priorities chosen by our youth commissioners intersect with those already identified by the Commissioner, including reducing violence against women and girls, mental health, and improving relationships between residents and police.

“However, I was particularly struck by the presentation on substance misuse, which was shockingly described as ‘highly normalised’ amongst our young people.

“I want to reassure our youth commissioners that all that of their hard work over the past few months will not be in vain.

‘Thoughtful and insightful’

“Myself and the Commissioner decided last year that a forum was needed to amplify the voices of young people in this county in an effort to shape the future of policing.

“As a result, we commissioned the services of experts at Leaders Unlocked with the specific aim of putting youth voice right into the heart of what our office and Surrey Police do.

“The youth commissioners have provided a deeply insightful and illuminating set of priorities for us all to work towards, and I am incredibly proud of each of them for representing the opinions of young people in Surrey.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson signed a pledge to act on the Surrey Youth Commission’s recommendations

“Their dedication and generosity in bringing their own experiences to the room proves to me that we should feel enormously positive about the generation of young people who are beginning to make their mark on the world.”

Emily Blavins, project manager for Leaders Unlocked, said: “We are immensely proud of the young people we’ve worked with over the past months.

“The Youth Commission members have conducted really significant research with their peers and have acted as a voice for all young people in Surrey.

“The findings and recommendations for change put forward by the Youth Commission will improve crime and policing for many.”

  • A report authored by the youth commissioners on their findings will be available to read within the coming weeks.

Ellie has told of her pride at the work achieved by the Youth Commissioners

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson standing next to the sign for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, with the new young Crimestoppers Fearless worker Ryan Hines.

Deputy Commissioner welcomes new fully-funded Fearless worker dedicated to teaching young people that “criminality isn’t glamorous”

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A YOUTH worker whose role is fully-funded thanks to Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner says he wants charity Fearless to become a household name.

Ryan Hines works to educate young people about the consequences of their choices on behalf of Fearless, the youth arm of Crimestoppers.

As part of his role, Ryan offers non-judgemental advice on how to give information about crime 100 per cent anonymously by using a secure online form on the charity’s website Fearless.org, or by calling 0800 555 111.

He also visits schools, pupil referral units, colleges, universities and youth clubs to deliver workshops that show young people how crime can affect them, either as a victim or as a perpetrator, attends community events, and builds partnerships with youth-focused organisations.

Ryan Hines works to educate young people about the consequences of their choices on behalf of Fearless, the youth arm of Crimestoppers

Ryan’s role is funded through the Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund, which supports a range of projects across Surrey.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson met with Ryan at Surrey Police’s Guildford HQ last week.

She said: “Fearless is a fantastic service that reaches thousands of young people across the county.

“The role recently taken on by Ryan helps to empower our young people to make their communities safer.

“Ryan is able to tailor his message based on the most impactful crime in any given area, whether that’s county lines exploitation, anti-social behaviour, car theft, or another type of offending.

‘Ryan helps to empower our young people’

“This allows Ryan to speak to young people in a way that makes it directly relevant to the issues that impact their lives.

“We know that the idea of talking to the police directly can be challenging for young people, particularly if they’re already involved in criminal activity. For those people, Fearless is invaluable, and I’d like to reiterate the hugely important message that information can be given entirely anonymously.

“Fearless also helps to inform young people about crime, encourages them to talk honestly, and provides honest information about criminal activity and its consequences.”

Ryan said: “My ultimate aim is to ensure Fearless becomes a buzzword for young people.

“I want it to be part of everyday conversations in the way that my own peer group discussed Childline.

‘Buzzword’ mission

“Our message is simple, but it’s crucial. Young people can be very reluctant to contact the police, so the education Fearless can provide is critical. The charity offers an 100 per cent guarantee that all information given will remain anonymous, and our charity is independent of the police.

“We want to give all young people a voice and debunk myths that a criminal lifestyle is anything to glamorise.

“Many of those who are exploited don’t realise they’re victims until it’s too late. Giving them the information they need as early as possible is key to prevent this happening.”

For more information on the work Ryan is doing in Surrey, or to arrange a Fearless training session, visit crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless/professionals/outreach-sessions

Ellie has responsibility for children and young people in her remit

Six year old child's line drawing in blue pen of a police officer on white background.

“Why don’t the police wear shorts?” – Commissioner responds to letters from children aged five and six

Posted on | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has responded after receiving letters from Surrey residents aged just five and six years old.

Ethan from Guildford, who is five years old, wants to be a police officer when he is older – but felt that he needed to ask an important question before applying. In a letter to the Commissioner, he enquired: “Why do the police not wear shorts?”

In a separate letter, Grace, who lives near Leith Hill, sent a picture she had drawn of a police officer. Grace’s Grandparents say she will make an excellent police officer for her village.

Ethan was concerned that police officers don’t wear shorts.

Grace’s grandparents said she would make an excellent police officer.

Replying to Ethan, the Commissioner said:

I am so pleased to read that you would like to be a police officer when you are older – it is a very important job and we are always looking for smart new recruits.

You asked a question about why police officers don’t wear shorts. It is because they often have to kneel down to help someone, or even run after a criminal through a field where they may be stung by nettles and other spiky plants so they need to keep their legs covered.

Surrey Police wear trousers that have lots of pockets where they can put their gloves, or a torch and their phones, which need to be easy to get in a hurry.

Making sure that all police officers wear the same uniform is also important as it makes them look smart and so that you can recognise them if you need help.

Our office has received over 800 letters, emails and telephone calls from members of the public since the start of this year.

Representing your voice is a key part of the Commissioner’s role in Surrey, that includes strengthening the relationships between residents and Surrey Police and independently reviewing the response to complaints about policing.

Contact the Commissioner using our Contact us page.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson next to football pitch

“It has the power to change the lives of young people”: Deputy Commissioner launches new Premier League Kicks programme in Surrey

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A PREMIER League programme that uses the power of football to draw young people away from crime has expanded into Surrey thanks to a grant from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Chelsea Foundation has brought flagship initiative Premier League Kicks to the county for the first time.

The scheme, which supports people aged between eight and 18 from disadvantaged backgrounds, already operates at 700 venues across the UK. More than 175,000 young people engaged in the programme between 2019 and 2022.

Young attendees are offered sports, coaching, music and educational and personal development sessions. Local authorities in areas where the programme is delivered have reported significant reductions in anti-social behaviour.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and two Surrey Police Youth Engagement Officers joined representatives from Chelsea FC in Cobham to launch the programme last week.

Youngsters from three youth clubs, including the MYTI Club in Tadworth, enjoyed a series of matches during the evening.

Ellie said: “I believe Premier League Kicks has the power to change the lives of young people and wider communities in our county.

“The scheme has already had huge success around the country at diverting children and teenagers from anti-social behaviour. Coaches encourage attendees of all abilities and backgrounds to focus on their personal achievements and successes, which is key to developing resilience in young people that will help them better manage challenges that might arise throughout their lives.

‘The power to change lives’

“Engagement in the Kicks sessions also gives young people additional routes into education, training and employment, alongside having fun playing football.

“I think it’s brilliant that volunteering is also a key part of the programme, helping young people feel more invested in and connected to their communities and linking them with some of the most vulnerable in society.

“I am so pleased we’ve been able to support the Chelsea Football Club Foundation in bringing this initiative to our county, and am grateful to them and Active Surrey for their work in getting the first sessions up and running across Surrey.”

Young people who join Premier League Kicks will meet in the evenings after school and during some school holidays. Open access, disability-inclusive and female-only sessions are included, as well as tournaments, workshops and social action.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson at the launch of Premier League Kicks in Surrey

Ellie said: “Protecting people from harm, strengthening relationships between Surrey Police and the county’s residents and working with communities so they feel safe are key priorities in the Police and Crime Plan.

“I believe this brilliant programme will help meet every one of those objectives by inspiring young people to achieve their potential and building safer, stronger and more inclusive communities.”

Tony Rodriguez, Youth Inclusion Officer at Chelsea Foundation, said: “We are delighted to have joined forces with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to begin offering our successful Premier League Kicks programme within Surrey and it was great to launch this initiative with a fantastic event at Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham.

“The power of football is unique in its ability to positively affect society, it can prevent crime and antisocial behaviour by offering opportunities to all, and we look forward to developing this programme further in the near future.”

Surrey Police Youth Engagement Officers Neil Ware, left, and Phil Jebb, right, speak to young attendees

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with members of the Surrey Police road safety team at an awareness raising stall

Commissioner visits driver safety roadshow – amid warnings that collisions are rising following lockdowns

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has joined a roadshow dedicated to reducing crash casualties – as she warned that collisions in the county are rising following lockdowns.

Lisa Townsend visited a college in Epsom on Tuesday morning to mark Project EDWARD (Every Day Without a Road Death).

Project EDWARD is the UK’s biggest platform showcasing best practice in road safety. Working alongside partners in the emergency services, members of the team have hosted a tour around the south for its week of action, which ends today.


During two busy events at Nescot and Brooklands colleges in Surrey, police officers from the casualty reduction team and roads policing unit, firefighters, the Surrey RoadSafe team and representatives from Kwik Fit engaged with young people about the importance of keeping their vehicles and themselves safe on the roads.

Students were given advice on vehicle maintenance, with demonstrations about tyre and engine safety.

Police officers also used goggles mimicking impairment to show the impact drink and drugs have on cognition, and attendees were invited to participate in a virtual reality experience highlighting the impact that distraction behind the wheel can have.

Commissioner’s roads plea

Data on serious and fatal collisions in Surrey last year has not yet been fully verified. However, police have recorded more than 700 collisions that resulted in a serious injury during 2022 – an increase on 2021, when 646 people were badly hurt. During the first half of 2021, the country was in lockdown.

Road safety is a key priority in Lisa’s Police and Crime Plan, and her office funds a series of initiatives aimed at keeping younger drivers safe.

Lisa also recently announced that she is the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ new lead for road safety nationally. The role will encompass rail and maritime travel and road safety.

She said: “Surrey is home to the busiest stretch of motorway in Europe – and it’s one of the most dangerous carriageways as a direct result of the sheer number of drivers who travel on it every day.

Lisa joined casualty reduction officers from Surrey Police at a Project EDWARD roadshow on Tuesday

“But we also have huge diversity in the county when it comes to our roads. There are many rural stretches of highway, particularly in the south.

“What’s most important to remember is that any road is a risk if a motorist is distracted or driving dangerously, and this is a critically important issue for our two fantastic traffic teams, the Roads Policing Unit and Vanguard Road Safety Team.

“Due to their inexperience, young people are particularly at risk from crashes, and it’s absolutely key to provide sensible, clear education on driving as early as possible.

“That’s why I was so pleased to join the team at Project EDWARD and Surrey RoadSafe on Tuesday.

“Project EDWARD’s ultimate aim is to create a road traffic system that is completely free of death and serious injury.

“They promote the Safe System approach, which focuses on designing roads, vehicles and speeds that work together to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes.

“I wish them every success in their campaign to keep motorists around the country safe.”

The Commissioner also signed Project EDWARD’s safe driving pledge

For more information, visit https://projectedward.org or https://facebook.com/surreyroadsafe

Deputy Commissioner supports launch of Safer Communities materials for Surrey teachers

Posted on | by James Smith

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Ellie Vesey-Thompson has supported the launch of a new programme of community safety education for children in Surrey’s schools.

Aimed at year six pupils aged between 10 and 11 years old, the Safer Communities Programme includes new materials for teachers to use as part of the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) classes that students receive to stay healthy and prepare for later life.

They have been developed in partnership between Surrey County Council, Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.

Digital teaching resources available through the programme will boost the education that young people receive on themes including keeping themselves and others safe, protecting their physical and mental health and being a good community member.

Complementing the work of Surrey County Council’s Healthy Schools, the resources follow evidence based and trauma-informed practise principles that are focused on building a strong foundation of personal wellbeing and resilience that young people can use throughout life.

Examples include recognising their right to say ‘no’ or change their mind in a challenging situation, understanding healthy relationships and knowing what to do in an emergency.

Developed with direct feedback from young people and schools over the last year, the programme is being rolled out across all Surrey boroughs in 2023.

It comes after the Commissioner’s team successfully bid for almost £1m of funding from the Home Office that will be used to provide specialist in-school training to deliver classes on preventing violence against women and girls. It also follows the recent launch of Surrey’s new dedicated Youth Commission on Policing and Crime, led by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson.

Ellie, who leads the Commissioner’s focus on increasing support for and engaging with young people, said: “I am really excited to support this brilliant programme, that will directly enhance the support that teachers across the county can access from the whole community safety partnership in Surrey.

“Our office has worked closely with the Council and partners on this project, that supports the priority in our Police and Crime Plan to improve the opportunities for young people in the county to stay safe and be able to access help when needed.

“We are really pleased that the new materials developed within this project represent the voices of the young people and teachers who will benefit from them, and that they are focused on the early practical skills and resilience that individuals can take into life to tackle a range of situations. I hope these will help deliver memorable lessons that lead to building healthy relationships, discussions on making healthy choices that reduce the vulnerabilities that criminals exploit, and the simple message that the police and others are there for you when you need them.”

Find out more about the programme and request access to the Digital Teaching Resource on the Safer Communities Programme webpage at https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/safer-communities-programme

group photo of 27 Surrey teachers and staff of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey in a training room, after almost one million pounds in funding is provided to provide bespoke training and a campaign to educate children and young people about violence against women and girls

Teachers from 27 Surrey schools join first-ever fully-funded teacher training to tackle violence against women and girls

Posted on | by Alex Winter

TEACHERS from 27 Surrey schools have attended the first in a series of training days that have been fully-funded thanks to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The programme, which launched last week, will support and empower teachers to build self-confidence in children during Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) lessons, with the aim of enabling them to live safe and fulfilled lives.

It comes after Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s team secured almost £1million from the Home Office’s What Works Fund to help combat violence against women and girls in Surrey through a series of projects for children and young people.

The issue is a key priority in Lisa’s Police and Crime Plan.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson speaks at the first PSHE training session

The funding will work to achieve this ambition by delivering a series of projects for children and young people.

Last week, teachers joined partners from Surrey Police and domestic abuse services for the first of three days of training to support Surrey County Council’s Healthy Schools approach.

The sessions, led by Sarah Lyles, Surrey County Council’s lead for PSHE, Wellbeing and Healthy Schools, and PSHE trainer Joanna Feast of company Clean Well-Being, aim to strengthen PSHE teaching skills through evidence-based and trauma-informed training as part of a society-wide effort to prevent harm to children.

Funding achieved by Lisa’s team will cover all programme materials and certification, training venues in Surrey, refreshments and lunch, as well as £180 a day for participating schools towards supply cover for the full three days.

Sessions are funded by the Home Office thanks to a grant application by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who has responsibility for children and young people on the Commissioner’s behalf, attended the first session in Guildford.

She said: “As trusted adults who spend a substantial amount of time with young people at a key time in their development, teachers are an integral part of supporting our young people and tackling violence against women and girls.

“That’s why this training, which will give educators the confidence to discuss issues such as respectful relationships and sexual health, is so important.

“It also helps schools build networks with helpful organisations across Surrey, including those that are dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse. This will ensure greater unity across the system.

“The direct impact of these sessions is that teachers will be empowered to encourage young people to see their own value.

‘So important’

“I hope, in turn, that this positive message will help them lead fulfilling, safe lives, with the resilience they need to thrive.”

Funding for the training, which is backed by Surrey Domestic Abuse Services, the YMCA’s WiSE (What is Sexual Exploitation) programme and the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, is in place until 2025, and teachers from the first cohort will return for their second session in May. In total, around 100 schools will benefit.

For more information, or to sign your school up for the second cohort, visit Fully Funded PSHE Training Programme for Surrey Schools | Surrey Education Services (surreycc.gov.uk)

Online virtual training will become available for all Surrey teachers to access.