How joint working protects young people at risk

Project: Promote and Protect Young People

Purpose: To work in a joined-up way to combat child sexual exploitation

Funding: Includes £80,000 a year from Merton Council to commission the two charities

Background: When it comes to tackling child sexual exploitation, the London borough of Merton has been "ahead of the game", according to Lee Hopkins, its service manager for children's safeguarding standards and training.

Previously, efforts to identify and support victims were "piecemeal" with key services and agencies not working together, he explains. But preparation for the London 2012 Olympics included examining the risks for child sexual exploitation and trafficking, working with the London Safeguarding Children Board, and this led to a more robust multi-agency approach. "We found there were young people who could be experiencing child sexual exploitation, so were determined to improve action and support," says Hopkins. "The reality is you won't find child sexual exploitation unless you go looking for it."