Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis witnessed the devastating impact of child sexual exploitation in a hard-hitting production in Leek yesterday. The theatre-style performance, ‘Chelsea’s Choice’, is aimed at children aged 12 and over and highlights the serious issue of how young people can be groomed by adults for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
Mr Ellis watched a special showing of the drama, delivered by AlterEgo, along with councillors and children’s workers at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s offices in Stockwell Street.
The Commissioner said: “The play was harrowing, powerful, awful and brilliant – it’s something that every school should show.
”The grooming and exploitation of children is a serious issue that we cannot ignore in an age of social media.
“Intervening early to make sure young people can protect themselves from harm is crucial –which is why this production is so important.”
The PCC last year provided funding for AlterEgo to perform ‘Chelsea’s Choice’ at high schools elsewhere in the county.
Yesterday’s preview session, organised by the Staffordshire Moorlands’ Community Safety Partnership, is being followed by an eight-week tour of the play across schools in Staffordshire from September.
For more details visit: http://www.alteregocreativesolutions.co.uk/chelseas-choice
