A THEATRICAL production using real-life stories has visited Middlesbrough schools to raise awareness around Child Sexual Exploitation.
Chelsea’s Choice deals with the issues of trafficking, the ‘grooming’ process, healthy relationships and safe internet use.
Thousands of school pupils have now seen the play performed by the actors of AlterEgo Creative Solutions whose short residence in the town has been funded by the Middlesbrough Safeguarding Children Board.
Young people at Acklam Grange, Ormesby, Outwood Academy, Trinity Catholic College, The Kings Academy, Unity City Academy, Macmillan Academy, Parkwood and Prince Bishop schools and the town’s Myplace youth centre have all been witness to the powerful message of Chelsea’s Choice.
The play has also been performed to local police officers, social workers, health professionals, foster carers and youth workers.
It tells the story of a group of three students who discover the diary of a girl called Chelsea 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 Chelsea like an adult – before it becomes apparent that he is not all he seems to be.
Chelsea’s story is played out and examined by the three students, who along with their teacher, attempt to understand what happened to Chelsea and how it could have been prevented.
Mark Braithwaite, Chair of the Middlesbrough Safeguarding Children Board, said: “Chelsea’s Choice tells a story that is sadly all too familiar to those tasked with safeguarding children.
“It is imperative that the message behind the production is heard loud and clear by all children and so I am pleased to see it visiting our schools and youth centres in Middlesbrough.
“Equally it is important that the story of Chelsea’s Choice does not remain in our schools but continues to be discussed both by and with young people in their homes with their parents or carers.”