After our successful drive into downtown Birmingham, we headed back up the road to wonderful Walsall, where we had a cup of tea with the staff of Street Teams. We were so impressed to hear this project has been running in various forms since 1999, having evolved from a project working with adults into the specialist project it is now. Street Teams are based in Walsall and Dudlely, with a remit to work across the black country.

They work with children and young people at risk of, and affected by, sexual exploitation, grooming and trafficking. They have a specific Boys and Young Men worker, as well providing 1-2-1 and group work support for girls. They also run workshops working with young people involved or at risk of involvement in gangs. One of the strengths of the project seemed to be its partnership with other local services such as the GUM clinic to access necessary services for young people. Also, it was great to hear about the work been done in the local area to raise awareness of CSE and provide training to those in the hotel industry. Lots of great work going on in Walsall! Thanks again to Helen, Dan and Emily for letting us visit!