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Home / Find services / Birmingham Counselling Service

Birmingham Counselling Service

Providing young victims of violence and exploitation with tailored counselling support, reducing their risk of harm to themselves and improving their mental wellbeing.

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Child exploitation

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Our approach

We provide young people with tailored counselling support, working also alongside clinicians and our Youth Violence Intervention Programme team. We work largely with children and young people experiencing PTSD or CPTSD, as well as neurodivergent young people.

Young people often mention that they can find traditional mental health services inaccessible and/or re-traumatising, with eligibility thresholds also being too high. Our counselling service is there to provide vital support.

The service operates as a trauma informed, relational model of therapy informed, using a strengths-based approach. We build relationships and offer outreach in terms of reducing barriers to attendance, letting young people’s choices guide the support they receive.

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News and Resources

Resources are listed chronologically.
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Child exploitation

20 Sep 2024

What do we mean by “child criminal exploitation”? The need for a clear rights-based legal definition

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Publications,

Child exploitation

17 Jan 2025

Catch22 response to Youth Select Committee Social Media and Youth Violence Inquiry

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, taken from across the River Thames. Overlaid is text that reads: "Consultation Response".
Read more

Consultations,

Child exploitation

30 Sep 2024

Young People and Families: Annual report 2023-2024

4 young adults stood in a row
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

20 Sep 2024

Catch22 publishes a new paper calling for Child Criminal Exploitation to be defined in law.

Read more

Announcements,

Child exploitation

12 Aug 2024

Redthread set to merge with Catch22

A group of young people gather around a table having a conversation, casually.
Read more

Announcements,

Child exploitation

10 Jul 2024

Gamifying education: an ‘end game’ for child exploitation?

Image of a gaming computer screen with the words 'Gamifying education: an ‘end game’ for child exploitation?'
Read more

Blogs,

Child exploitation

21 Jun 2024

What is sextortion?

A teenage boy wearing headphones completes online work in the school library. Overlaid is text that reads: "Staying Safe Online Poster Hub".
Read more

Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

13 Jun 2024

Missing services: product card

Young woman sitting on the floor in an empty room, looking thoughtful.
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Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

12 Jun 2024

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Child Criminal Exploitation: Annual report 2023-2024

A teenage girl sits on her bed, looking at something on her laptop. She is surrounded by posters on the walls.
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

28 May 2024

Pan Merseyside Child Exploitation and Missing from Home: Annual report 2023-2024

A young man sits on the ground outside of an old building. He has a backpack to his side with some belongings inside.
Read more

Publications,

25 May 2024

Merton Risk and Resilience: Annual report 2023-2024

Close up of a young woman who sits in an open green space, smiling at the camera.
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

23 May 2024

County Lines Support and Rescue, London: Annual report 2023-2024

A teenage boy sits alone on a park bench. He is looking down towards his mobile phone in his hands, as though reading or responding to a message.
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

21 May 2024

County Lines Support and Rescue, Merseyside: Annual report 2023-2024

Close up of a teenage girl sat at a table with a text book in front of her. She is texting on her phone on top of the book.
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

21 May 2024

Kent County Lines and Gangs: Annual report 2023-2024

A teenage boy stands in front of a park / sports area fence looking directly at the camera.
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

20 May 2024

County Lines Support and Rescue, West Midlands: Annual report 2023-2024

A teenage girl lays on her bed texting on her phone.
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

17 May 2024

County Lines Support and Rescue, Greater Manchester: Annual report 2023-2024

A teenage boy sits on a wall, alone. He stares into the distance, lost in his thoughts.
Read more

Publications,

16 May 2024

Music to My Ears: Annual report 2023-2024

Image of a recording studio set up, with a microphone, computer, guitar, and speakers.
Read more

Publications,

8 May 2024

Catch22 responds to Ofcom draft Children’s Safety Codes of Practice

A young girl lies on her front on her bed, scrolling the internet using a laptop.
Read more

Responses,

Child exploitation

15 Apr 2024

Child exploitation: key definitions

Two primary school aged children work quietly in a classroom.
Read more

Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

9 Apr 2024

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Child Criminal Exploitation: Referral forms

A person filled out a form on a clipboard. Overlaid is text that reads: "Referral Forms".
Read more

Policies,

Child exploitation

18 Mar 2024

Catch On expands free educational resource

A male teacher stands at the front of his classroom, in front of the whiteboard, smiling at the camera.
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Announcements,

Child exploitation

18 Mar 2024

Catch On: Parents’ pack

A woman comforts a teenage girl who has her face covered with her hands.
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

18 Mar 2024

Catch On: Teaching materials

Three teenagers gather around a laptop. They are all making notes on paper about what they are watching.
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Publications,

Child exploitation

13 Mar 2024

The urgent need for training to safeguard vulnerable youth from exploitation

Pupil raises hand to ask a question while the teacher is presenting.
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Blogs,

Child exploitation

23 Feb 2024

Child financial exploitation: a guide

Close up of a young teenage boy standing next to an older boy who is giving him money.
Read more

Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

6 Feb 2024

Is someone asking you for a nude picture?

A teenage boy wearing headphones completes online work in the school library. Overlaid is text that reads: "Staying Safe Online Poster Hub".
Read more

Posters and downloads,

17 Nov 2023

Catch22 responds to call for evidence on reducing the harm from illegal drugs

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, taken from across the River Thames. Overlaid is text that reads: "Consultation Response".
Read more

Consultations,

25 Oct 2023

Why early action holds the key to breaking the prison/reoffending cycle

A young woman stands with her back to the camera, with a long winding road in front of her.
Read more

Blogs,

Child exploitation

20 Sep 2023

Why frontline voices are critical to the policy making process

Four people in suits meet. Two of them shake hands in a greeting, while the others look at them. Overlaid is text that reads "22 ways to build resilience and aspiration".
Read more

Blogs,

18 Sep 2023

Catch22 Manifesto: Reimagining public services

Four people in suits meet. Two of them shake hands in a greeting, while the others look at them. Overlaid is text that reads "22 ways to build resilience and aspiration".
Read more

Publications,

28 Aug 2023

Merton Risk and Resilience: Annual report 2022-2023

A teenage boy stands against a brick wall wearing over-the-head headphones. He looks at the camera from the side.
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

7 Jun 2023

Illegal Migration Bill: more harm than good?

A young girl sits alone on a set of outdoor steps. She wraps her hands around her knees and looks into the distance.
Read more

Blogs,

Child exploitation

20 Apr 2023

Music to My Ears: Annual report 2022-2023

Side-profile image of a woman wearing a pair of on-ear headphones.
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

20 Apr 2023

Rethinking the approach to young people's mental health

Header image for the Catch22 Minutes podcast which reads "Season 3: Risk and Resilience"
Read more

Podcasts,

Child exploitation

19 Apr 2023

How do you recognise a victim of child exploitation?

A young girl, sitting at a school desk, looks thoughtfully out of the window, holding a pencil in their hand as they rest their head on their hand. Other students can be seen in the background.
Read more

Blogs,

Child exploitation

15 Mar 2023

Catch22 launches free exploitation awareness resource

Close-up of young people making notes by hand. Only the bottom half of their faces can be seen.
Read more

Announcements,

Child exploitation

16 Feb 2023

Inequity in safeguarding

Header image for the Catch22 Minutes podcast which reads "Season 3: Risk and Resilience"
Read more

Podcasts,

Child exploitation

2 Feb 2023

County lines

Header image for the Catch22 Minutes podcast which reads "Season 3: Risk and Resilience"
Read more

Podcasts,

Child exploitation

1 Feb 2023

County Lines: what is it and what can we do to tackle it

Close-up of hands holding a mobile phone.
Read more

Blogs,

Child exploitation

19 Jan 2023

Online harms and online helps

Header image for the Catch22 Minutes podcast which reads "Season 3: Risk and Resilience"
Read more

Podcasts,

Child exploitation

15 Dec 2022

Criminalisation of children and young people in care

Header image for the Catch22 Minutes podcast which reads "Season 3: Risk and Resilience"
Read more

Podcasts,

Child exploitation

6 Dec 2022

The impact of child sexual abuse on victims and survivors

Portrait of two young women, one looking directly at the camera and the other looking away from it. Overlaid is the text "16 Days of Action against Gender-Based Violence".
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Blogs,

Child exploitation

1 Dec 2022

Missing children and child exploitation

Header image for the Catch22 Minutes podcast which reads "Season 3: Risk and Resilience"
Read more

Podcasts,

Child exploitation

24 Sep 2022

Catch22 to provide support for victims of County Lines exploitation

Close-up of a young woman with short hair looking at camera while standing outdoors on a sunny day.
Read more

Announcements,

Child exploitation

12 Jul 2022

Online Safety Bill: Balancing safety with opportunity

A hand holds out a mobile phone. Illustrated above it are a mixture of "Like", email, and "Friend Request" symbols.
Read more

Blogs,

Child exploitation

6 Jun 2022

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire: Volunteer mentor service report 2021-2022

A woman wearing glasses sits at a table, listening to an anonymous figure sat opposite her. She rests her head on both her hands which are clasped beneath her chin.
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

27 May 2022

Catch22 gives oral evidence to the Online Safety Bill Committee hearing

A group of young people sitting on a bench browse their smartphones. None of their faces can be seen.
Read more

Consultations,

Child exploitation

26 May 2022

Music To My Ears: Service leaflet

Close-up of microphone and earphones inside of sound studio working space for music recording.
Read more

Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

25 May 2022

New service to tackle County Lines launched in Kent

A young woman with a ponytail checks her phone whilst walking through a forest.
Read more

Announcements,

14 Apr 2022

Merton Risk and Resilience: Annual report 2020-2021

A teenage girl in a hoodie stands in front of a graffiti-ed wall with her hood up.
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

17 Mar 2022

Catch22 responds to introduction of the Online Safety Bill

Close-up of hands using a touchscreen mobile phone.
Read more

Responses,

Child exploitation

17 Mar 2022

Young carers and child exploitation in Staffordshire

Close-up of a report cover which reads "Young carers and child exploitation"
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Publications,

Child exploitation

17 Mar 2022

Young carers and child exploitation

Close-up of a report cover that reads "Young carers and child exploitation"
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

17 Mar 2022

What makes a child vulnerable to exploitation?

Close-up of a young woman, taken from waist-height, as she looks at her phone. Her face is not visible. Overlaid is text that says: "Spot the Signs Poster Hub".
Read more

Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

2 Mar 2022

Catch22 responds to Commission on Young Lives report

A hooded figure browses content on their phone.
Read more

Responses,

23 Feb 2022

Improving victims’ experience of the criminal justice system

A person picks up a Catch22 Justice booklet from a chair. Overlaid is text that reads: "Wisdom Wednesdays: Justice Blog Series".
Read more

Blogs,

Child exploitation

2 Feb 2022

Catch22 responds to IICSA report

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, taken from across the River Thames. Overlaid is text that reads: "Consultation Response".
Read more

Consultations,

Child exploitation

31 Jan 2022

Catch22 recommissioned to support victims of child exploitation across Merseyside

A young boy reads a message on his phone, while his father works on a laptop on the sofa in the background.
Read more

Announcements,

Child exploitation

21 Dec 2021

Reflecting on a decade of Return Home Interviews

Close-up of hands unlocking and opening a door using a key.
Read more

Blogs,

Child exploitation

16 Dec 2021

Unrealistic sexpectations: online porn and young people

A young man flexes his arm muscles in the mirror whilst taking a photograph on his smartphone.
Read more

Consultations,

Child exploitation

13 Dec 2021

Catch22 releases Missing and Emotional Wellbeing report

A young person sits alone on a wall outside, listening to music on their headphones.
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

2 Dec 2021

Surrey’s PCC teams up with Catch22 to prevent child exploitation

Close-up of an audio mixer.
Read more

Announcements,

Child exploitation

27 Nov 2021

Merton Young People’s Risk and Resilience: Referral form

A person filled out a form on a clipboard. Overlaid is text that reads: "Referral Forms".
Read more

Policies,

Child exploitation

10 Nov 2021

More young people exposed to violent or explicit content online

A group of young people browse their phones whilst sitting on a wall. Overlaid is text that reads "Online Harms Research Hub".
Read more

Announcements,

Child exploitation

10 Nov 2021

Online harms: acceptable use and regulation

A group of young people browse their phones whilst sitting on a wall. Overlaid is text that reads "Online Harms Research Hub".
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

22 Oct 2021

County Lines slang

Close-up of a young woman, taken from waist-height, as she looks at her phone. Her face is not visible. Overlaid is text that says: "Spot the Signs Poster Hub".
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Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

16 Sep 2021

Catch22 responds to call for evidence on the Draft Online Safety Bill

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, taken from across the River Thames. Overlaid is text that reads: "Consultation Response".
Read more

Consultations,

Child exploitation

15 Sep 2021

Child sexual exploitation: an ever-evolving crime

A person picks up a Catch22 Justice booklet from a chair. Overlaid is text that reads: "Wisdom Wednesdays: Justice Blog Series".
Read more

Blogs,

Child exploitation

3 Aug 2021

‘Digital by Default’ in the COVID-19 Context

A group of young people browse their phones whilst sitting on a wall. Overlaid is text that reads "Online Harms Research Hub".
Read more

Blogs,

Child exploitation

27 May 2021

Risk and Resilience Services: Supporting young people at risk of exploitation

A young person wearing a padded coat stands with their back to the camera and their hands in their pockets. Underneath the coat, they are wearing a hoodie, and they have their hood up.
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

26 May 2021

SPACE talks Missing Incidents

A person picks up a Catch22 Justice booklet from a chair. Overlaid is text that reads: "Wisdom Wednesdays: Justice Blog Series".
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Blogs,

Child exploitation

25 May 2021

Exploitation risk to missing and runaway children too often ignored

A young person stands in front of a wall holding a piece of paper in front of their face. The piece of paper has a question mark drawn on it.
Read more

Blogs,

Child exploitation

13 May 2021

Catch22 responds to the Draft Online Safety Bill

A group of young people browse their phones whilst sitting on a wall. Overlaid is text that reads "Online Harms Research Hub".
Read more

Responses,

Child exploitation

22 Apr 2021

Perspectives on policing

A group of young people browse their phones whilst sitting on a wall. Overlaid is text that reads "Online Harms Research Hub".
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Blogs,

Child exploitation

1 Apr 2021

Transforming the lives of victims of crime and exploitation

A mature woman looks out of a window,
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Consultations,

23 Mar 2021

The four key principles of a “Good” Web

Overhead view of a woman browsing an online shop on her laptop. She is sat on the sofa cross-legged with a notebook and television remote next to her.
Read more

Blogs,

Child exploitation

18 Mar 2021

“Are you listening?”

A young person wearing a padded coat stands with their back to the camera and their hands in their pockets. Underneath the coat, they are wearing a hoodie, and they have their hood up.
Read more

Case studies,

Child exploitation

17 Mar 2021

Child exploitation and criminal behaviour

A person picks up a Catch22 Justice booklet from a chair. Overlaid is text that reads: "Wisdom Wednesdays: Justice Blog Series".
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Blogs,

Child exploitation

16 Mar 2021

What makes a good relationship?

Close-up of a young woman, taken from waist-height, as she looks at her phone. Her face is not visible. Overlaid is text that says: "Spot the Signs Poster Hub".
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Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

8 Mar 2021

Serious violence funding must prioritise a public health approach

A group of professionals sit around a table reviewing papers.
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Responses,

4 Feb 2021

Support helplines, apps and websites for young people

A young woman sits on a step outside, looking at a tablet computer.
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Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

22 Jan 2021

Catch22 responds to Home Office “Tackling Child Sexual Abuse” strategy

A group of young people browse their phones whilst sitting on a wall. Overlaid is text that reads "Online Harms Research Hub".
Read more

Responses,

Child exploitation

13 Jan 2021

Young People and Families: Annual Review 2019-2020

Close-up portrait of a a mother, father, and young son smiling at the camera.
Read more

Publications,

Child exploitation

15 Dec 2020

Online Safety Bill: Why a proactive duty of care is so important

A group of young people browse their phones whilst sitting on a wall. Overlaid is text that reads "Online Harms Research Hub".
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Blogs,

Child exploitation

29 Oct 2020

Catch22 receives generous donation from Tesco Mobile for victims of CSE

A teenage girl sits in a chair with crossed legs, browsing content on her mobile phone.
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Announcements,

7 Aug 2020

Young people and frontline staff demand better protection online

A group of young people browse their phones whilst sitting on a wall. Overlaid is text that reads "Online Harms Research Hub".
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Announcements,

6 Aug 2020

Online harms: supporting young people offline and online

A group of young people browse their phones whilst sitting on a wall.
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Publications,

29 Jun 2020

Catch22 responds to call for evidence on "Public Services: Lessons from coronavirus"

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, taken from across the River Thames. Overlaid is text that reads: "Consultation Response".
Read more

Consultations,

Child exploitation

2 Jun 2020

How volunteering can offer us a way to connect

A person wearing a "Volunteer" t-shirt holds out a clipboard to someone who is signing up to offer their time.
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Blogs,

Child exploitation

10 May 2020

Catch22’s child exploitation service adapts to remote support

A woman works at a desktop computer.
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Blogs,

Child exploitation

25 Apr 2020

Online harms regulation: education or regulation?

A group of young people browse their phones whilst sitting on a wall. Overlaid is text that reads "Online Harms Research Hub".
Read more

Blogs,

Child exploitation

26 Mar 2020

Good practice guidance for Return Home Interviews delivered remotely

A woman, working at a desktop computer, takes a phone call on her mobile.
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Posters and downloads,

11 Feb 2020

App safety

A teenage boy wearing headphones completes online work in the school library. Overlaid is text that reads: "Staying Safe Online Poster Hub".
Read more

Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

11 Feb 2020

Share with care

A teenage boy wearing headphones completes online work in the school library. Overlaid is text that reads: "Staying Safe Online Poster Hub".
Read more

Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

11 Feb 2020

Staying safe online

A teenage boy wearing headphones completes online work in the school library. Overlaid is text that reads: "Staying Safe Online Poster Hub".
Read more

Posters and downloads,

29 Nov 2019

Catch22 joins call to put young people at the heart of General Election

Close-up of a group of children laying on the floor thinking.
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Responses,

Child exploitation

17 Sep 2019

Catch22 responds to No Place at Home APPG Report

Close up of stacked adult and child hands, holding a wooden model of a home.
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Responses,

Child exploitation

30 Apr 2019

Myths about male sexual assault victims

Portrait of a young man wearing a gilet, looking down against the frames of a glass wall.
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Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

18 Mar 2019

Youth participation – it’s win, win, win

A young woman smiles at the camera. In the background, a group of young people work together on a project.
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Blogs,

Child exploitation

28 Feb 2019

Why exploited children must be treated as victims

Teenage girl sits in the library at school looking at a project with bookshelves in the background.
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Responses,

Child exploitation

21 Nov 2018

Councils and Catch22: Protecting children and young people

A woman sits at a table across from an anonymous figure. She is listening to what they are saying whilst smiling and making notes.
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Blogs,

Child exploitation

11 Oct 2018

Spotting a runaway child

Close-up of a young woman, taken from waist-height, as she looks at her phone. Her face is not visible. Overlaid is text that says: "Spot the Signs Poster Hub".
Read more

Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

15 Aug 2018

Keeping children safe during the holidays

Close-up of a young woman, taken from waist-height, as she looks at her phone. Her face is not visible. Overlaid is text that says: "Spot the Signs Poster Hub".
Read more

Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

3 Jul 2018

Child criminal exploitation: how do gangs recruit and coerce young people?

Close-up of a young woman, taken from waist-height, as she looks at her phone. Her face is not visible. Overlaid is text that says: "Spot the Signs Poster Hub".
Read more

Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

1 Jun 2018

Harnessing the commitment, energy and creativity of volunteers

Close-up portrait of a woman smiling directly at the camera.
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Case studies,

Child exploitation

24 May 2018

Push and pull factors: what causes a child to go missing?

Close-up of a young woman, taken from waist-height, as she looks at her phone. Her face is not visible. Overlaid is text that says: "Spot the Signs Poster Hub".
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Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

1 May 2018

Different dangers, same signs

Close-up of a young woman, taken from waist-height, as she looks at her phone. Her face is not visible. Overlaid is text that says: "Spot the Signs Poster Hub".
Read more

Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

15 Mar 2018

Positive relationships break the CSE cycle

Close-up of a young woman, taken from waist-height, as she looks at her phone. Her face is not visible. Overlaid is text that says: "Spot the Signs Poster Hub".
Read more

Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

5 Feb 2018

Prevent a young person going missing

Close-up of a young woman, taken from waist-height, as she looks at her phone. Her face is not visible. Overlaid is text that says: "Spot the Signs Poster Hub".
Read more

Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

1 Feb 2018

Child sexual exploitation – think boys

Close-up of a young woman, taken from waist-height, as she looks at her phone. Her face is not visible. Overlaid is text that says: "Spot the Signs Poster Hub".
Read more

Posters and downloads,

Child exploitation

21 Nov 2017

New service in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire

A young girl sits on the floor in a small space next to a cupboard. She rests her head on her knees and wraps her arms around her legs which are drawn up to her chest.
Read more

Announcements,

Child exploitation

20 Nov 2017

Five ways that parents can protect their children

Close-up of a young woman, taken from waist-height, as she looks at her phone. Her face is not visible. Overlaid is text that says: "Spot the Signs Poster Hub".
Read more

Posters and downloads,

15 Aug 2017

Music to My Ears: How music can improve young people’s wellbeing

Overhead view of a music studio set up including keyboard, headphones and computer screen.
Read more

Blogs,

27 Mar 2017

Catch22 responds to the MOPAC Police and Crime Plan

A view of the London skyline.
Read more

Responses,

Child exploitation

18 Mar 2017

Catch22 supports National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day

An anonymous person holds a hand up to indicate a "Stop" symbol.
Read more

Blogs,

23 Jul 2015

Running the risks: the links between gang involvement and missing

A teenage boy and a teenage girl stand in a graffiti-covered underpass. He shows her something on his phone.
Read more

Publications,

Contact the Birmingham Counselling Service

Louise Whyatt

Assistant Director

Referrals to our counselling service are made by our Birmingham Young Violence Intervention Programme team only.

For further information, please reach out using our contact form, and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Telephone Number

02073364800
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Child exploitation

Child exploitation

We provide support for young people, professionals, parents, and carers, with the aim of preventing or stopping child exploitation and missing incidents.