We engage with faith communities to build resilience against child sexual exploitation (CSE) through awareness training and prevention work with children. This page contains information about what to do if you have concerns about child sexual exploitation and where you can find more information and support.

Emergency

In an emergency always call the police on 999. If you are unable to speak, call 999 and then press 55.

Reporting a crime

To report a crime that has happened recently or in the past you can visit the local police station (Luton Police Station: Buxton Road, Luton, LU1 1SD, 8am-8pm) or to report a crime anonymously you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Reporting concerns

If you have concerns about a child you should report it to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 01582 547653, or 0300 3008123 (out of hours) or by email: mash@luton.gcsx.gov.uk

The Multi-Agency Intelligence Submission form can be found here.

You can report concerns about online abuse through the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command.

More information

NSPCC advice line: 0808 800 5000, Mon-Fri 8am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm

Information for parents: Pace (Parents against child sexual exploitation) provides information about reporting, online safety, harassment, going to court and more in their Advice Centre.

Child sexual exploitation: Also see Luton Safeguarding Children’s Board for the Bedfordshire CSE Disruption Toolkit and other information, and visit NWG for related information and news.

Rape and sexual assault: This page gives advice for victims of rape and sexual assault.

Other concerns: Child Mind Institute provides information for parents and professionals about many issues including: drugs, social media and sexuality.

Local support

The organisations below are based in Luton and provide support for survivors of child sexual exploitation and offer other kinds of support. Please visit their websites for more information about their services.

Hope Programme: Support for victims of sexual abuse aged 10+

Emerald Centre: Support for victims of sexual abuse aged 16+

Homestart: Support for families with disabilities and additional needs, domestic violence and abuse, poverty, financial issues, unsafe environments and mental ill health.

Luton All Women’s Centre: Support for women experiencing domestic abuse, and offering general advice.

Chums Trauma Service: Referral support service for children.

Helplines and national organisations

Women’s Aid: 0808 2000 247 (24 hour helpline)

The Bedfordshire Domestic and Sexual Abuse Partnership: 0845 30 30 900 (Victim Support helpline)

Bedfordshire Sexual Abuse Helpline: 01582 733 592 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, weekends 10am-12pm, 24 hour answerphone)

Survivors UK: 0845 122 1201 (Helpline Mon & Tues 7-9.30pm, Thur 12-2.30pm) | Helpline for male victims of CSE, adult sexual assault and rape.

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 (24 hour helpline)

NAPAC: 0808 801 0331 (Helpline 10am-9pm Mon-Thu & 10am-6pm on Fridays | Support for adults with history of childhood abuse.

Embrace: Support for children who are victims of crime.

Victim Support: 0808 168 911 (24 hour helpline)

The Marie Collins Foundation: Information about navigating responsibly online

For children and young people

Thinkuknow: For adults and children to explore how to protect children online and offline.

The Mix: 0808 808 4994 (helpline) | Support for young people under 25 via online, social media and mobile.

Childline: 0800 1111 (24 hour helpline) | Advice for children.