Community Guardians
Children are being harmed by exploiters on and offline in every neighbourhood, and too often it goes unseen. That’s why we’re looking for Community Guardians across Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Stockton and Cleveland. People who are willing to use their position in the community to help spot the signs, raise concerns, and build stronger networks of protection for children.
Who are Community Guardians?
Community Guardians are everyday people who play a vital role in keeping children safe from being groomed and exploited by staying alert, knowing the warning signs, and being ready to share concerns.
Alongside professionals working in safeguarding roles, we would like to hear from people who have good connections with their local communities, who can see and hear what is happening on the ground. This could be:
- Shop workers
- Business owners
- Park wardens
- Street cleaners
- Youth workers
- Group leaders
- Volunteers
Benefits of being a Community Guardian
- Create safer futures for children in Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Stockton and Cleveland
- Support the reduction of crime in your area
- Connect with like-minded members of your local community
- Improve your understanding of child exploitation
- Receive free accredited training
Sign up
If you are interested in becoming a Community Guardian, complete this form and we will send you information about our first training course.
Next steps
You can access a 1 hour pre-recorded training video, where we share information about how to spot the signs of child exploitation, how to recognise that a young person might be at risk of sexual or criminal exploitation, and how to share information and concerns.
To access the training course, please first Register your Interest in becoming a Community Guardian first and we will send you the link.
Any queries please do not hesitate to contact us at community.guardians@ivisontrust.org.uk
Training dates and times
- You can access our 1 hour pre-recorded training session in the summer, and we hope to release a new in-person date in the autumn.
Share with your networks
Help us spread the word! Please share this leaflet with your networks.