Theatre project helps Tameside young people spot the signs of criminal exploitation

Young people across Tameside are learning how to recognise and respond to Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) thanks to a powerful new theatre initiative touring the borough’s schools this autumn.

From October to November 2025, “No Comment”, an engaging live performance and workshop, is being delivered by Odd Arts in partnership with Tameside Council’s Community Safety team. Using theatre to tell authentic and relatable stories, the project explores how young people can be targeted, groomed, and coerced into criminal activity such as drug running. It also highlights the support available to help prevent exploitation and intervene early.

The initiative forms part of Tameside Council’s wider commitment to early intervention, safeguarding, and building resilient communities. By equipping young people with the confidence to recognise warning signs, “No Comment” aims to stop exploitation before it starts.

The workshops focus on the early stages of grooming, including targeting and rapport-building, while offering insight into the full grooming process. Participants explore themes such as boundaries, safety planning and exploiter tactics.

A total of 30 sessions are being delivered across secondary schools, Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), and Works4U. This year, the programme is also being piloted with young people who are currently not in education but identified as vulnerable, delivered in collaboration with Tameside Council’s Early Intervention and Complex Safeguarding Teams.

Two targeted sessions are scheduled for the week beginning 17 November, forming part of a wider week of action to raise awareness of CCE and the support services available locally.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, Cllr Teresa Smith, praised the initiative, saying: “Protecting our young people from exploitation is a top priority. This innovative project uses theatre to engage and educate in a way that feels real and relevant to their lives. It’s fantastic to see such a wide reach across Tameside and a commitment to supporting those most at risk. I’m proud of the partnership work that’s making this possible.”

For more information on Child Criminal Exploitation, visit www.tamesidescp.org.uk/professionals/child-criminal-exploitation.