Commissioner backs youth theatre changing lives

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, visited Burnley Youth Theatre to see how they are utilising funding from his Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Fund to educate young people about the dangers of child sexual exploitation through drama.

Developed in collaboration with survivors of child sexual exploitation, the theatre performance follows the story of a young girl into the world of grooming and aims to help young people identify the early warning signs of abuse, exploitation, and dangerous situations.

Thanks to a £7,000 grant from the Commissioner’s VAWG Fund, Burnley Youth Theatre will deliver sessions in five schools across Lancashire over the coming months. This initiative forms part of a wider commitment, with the VAWG Fund investing £177,000 into 38 projects designed to prevent violence, support survivors, and create safer communities for women and girls.

Following the visit, Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:

“Preventing violence against women and girls is a Police and Crime Plan priority, and we know that early intervention and education is key to ensuring young people remain safe.

“Approaching topics such as abuse and exploitation with young people can often be difficult. That’s why the work done by Burnley Youth Theatre is so important as they use drama to raise awareness and encourage healthy, open discussions.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to invest in initiatives that make Lancashire a safer place for all.”

Laura Simpson, Producer and Head of Programmes at Burnley Youth Theatre, added:

“Creating issue based theatre is so important as an awareness raising tool for young people to be able to recognise early signs of abusive, explorative and dangerous situations for both themselves and their peers. After each performance in schools, pupils will be able to explore the issues and themes raised with a follow up workshop in a safe and supportive environment. We are delighted to have received funding in order to create this powerful piece of theatre.”