Funding renewed for Norfolk exploitation project 

The Magdalene Group Rose Project has secured continued backing to expand support for young people across Norfolk affected by sexual exploitation.
 

A Norfolk project that has supported more than 900 young people affected by sexual exploitation will be able to reach more young people, thanks to renewed statutory funding from Norfolk County Council. The Magdalene Group’s Rose Project, which works with young people who have experienced sexual exploitation, will use the continued funding to strengthen and ensure more young people across Norfolk can access its specialist support. 

Sara Plastow, Head of Operations at The Magdalene Group, said, "Child sexual exploitation doesn’t discriminate, and the reality is that all children and young people are at risk from child sexual exploitation. Technology is advancing all the time, and this is creating a high level of offences that occur online. It’s important we all play our part to safeguard and have conversations with young people about issues linked in with CSE to not only protect them but to increase our own understanding."

The announcement falls on National Child Exploitation (CE) Awareness Day, highlighting the ongoing need for dedicated provisions to protect children and young people who may be at risk both online and in their communities. With the decline of traditional youth groups and safe community spaces, many young people are becoming increasingly reliant on social media for connection. For those living in rural areas or not engaged in education, training or employment, this can lead to increased isolation and fewer safe adults around them, making it harder to spot harmful behaviour.

With the renewed funding, the Rose Project will continue to deliver targeted support to young people. The investment will also strengthen joint work with schools, safeguarding teams and other frontline professionals, helping young people build resilience, recognise unhealthy relationships and stay safer online and offline.

The Rose Project: A lifeline for young people

The Rose Project (Reaching Out on Sexual Exploitation) provides specialist targeted one‑to‑one support, early‑intervention work and education session to children who are affected by, or at risk, of sexual exploitation, helping them to recognise and understand healthy relationships, consent and sexual health. Since 2007, the project has received 900 referrals for 1:1 support around child sexual exploitation (CSE).

Maria Novakova, Young People’s Senior Practitioner for the Rose Project said, "Child Sexual Exploitation is a continuing issue across Norfolk that affects young people not only through online spaces but also in our towns, cities and rural villages. Rose Project practitioners build trusted relationships with young people offering the time and support they need to reconnect with safety networks, explore what matters to them and gain confidence and perspective for the future. This renewed funding will allow us to continue reaching those young people that need support so urgently."

Case Study – Megan, age 13*

Megan, 13, was referred to the Rose Project after she experienced online grooming. Megan had also suffered domestic abuse at home, causing emotional distress, low self‑esteem and self‑harm. With consistent one-to-one support, guidance on healthy relationships as well as online safety, and a coordinated network of multi-agency professionals around the family, Megan was able to build confidence to end unsafe friendships and return to school reducing her CSE risk. Megan now feels safer, supported, and more in control of her wellbeing.

Megan said, ‘The Rose Project helped me understand what healthy relationships look like and how to keep myself safe, both online and in real life. I feel more confident now, and it means a lot to finally feel listened to and supported.’

* Name changed to protect identity.
 

Why This Work Matters

Child sexual exploitation remains widespread yet often hidden, with around 1 in 20 UK children having experienced abuse, around 10% of all children assessed for sexual abuse or exploitation living in the East of England, and online exploitation now accounting for 42% of recorded offences—highlighting the urgent need for specialist local services like the Rose Project.
 
More information about the Rose Project:
https://www.magdalenegroup.org/rose-project



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