Young drama students lift the curtain on safeguarding at unique event

A talented group of students from Whitworth High school turned thespian to help professionals understand better how to protect families across Rochdale borough.

The young people aged 13-15 acted out a series of scenarios depicting important issues to highlight how practitioners in different fields can work better together in the first ever joint Adult and Children’s Safeguarding event.

The event, at Mayfield Rugby Club, saw 100 professionals from organisations including the council, Greater Manchester Police and local health providers, watch the young people act out different family situations.

In one play, an older woman is being financially abused by her son-in-law who keeps her cash card in his wallet so he can do her shopping, but never gets round to giving it back to her.

In another play, an older man is forced to look after his granddaughter because her mother is an alcoholic, but is struggling to pay his rent with an extra mouth to feed. His granddaughter also needs support but is finding things hard because no one has let social services know she’s no longer living at home.

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Adult Care at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Events like this remind all agencies across the borough that we need to tackle issues together, rather than focussing on things affecting the children or the adults in isolation.

“The young people did a splendid job in highlighting these really important issues in a unique way which really hit home with the audience and gave everyone a lot to think about.”

Lesley Wild, Drama Teacher at Whitworth High School, said: “I’m really proud of the students, who got to grips with a very serious subject matter in just a couple of days. The abuse which was highlighted in the plays was quite subtle, but the students recognised it and understood all the issues. I’m pleased to see drama used in such a positive way.”

Anyone who has a concern about a child or adult’s welfare can call one of the following numbers:

Children’s social services: 0845 226 5570

Adult social care: 0844 264 0867