A group in Walsall which has educated thousands of school children about the dangers of sexual exploitation and other crimes has been shortlisted for an award by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.
iMatter Walsall, which formed last October, has so far educated 6000 youngsters about hidden crimes such as trafficking, child sexual exploitation, grooming and domestic violence.
(Pic: Imrana Niazi)
David Jamieson has shortlisted iMatter Walsall for this year’s Outstanding Community Project Award.
The initiative is run by the people of Walsall, for the people of Walsall and has received funding from One Palfrey Big Local – a residents group based in the area.
The scheme hasn’t just been targeting children though. iMatter Walsall has also been to Manor Hospital and spoken with more than 350 staff to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation.
The woman behind the scheme is Imrana Niazi. She volunteers 25 hours every week and considers it her goal to sign-post victims to the authorities so they can receive help.
Commenting on the shortlisting of iMatter Walsall by the PCC, Imrana Niazi said: “When I received the letter that I’d been shortlisted for an award I couldn’t believe it.
“I’ve spent hundreds of hours working on this scheme and hopefully it is making the children in Walsall just that little bit safer.
“If one child is rescued from a terrible situation then all this will have been worthwhile. It is lovely to have your efforts recognised.”
Whilst the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said: “This scheme has achieved some fantastic things and it has only been up and running since last October.
“To have already educated six thousand youngsters is quite remarkable.
“I’d like to personally offer my thanks to Imrana. The work she is doing is helping the police keep young people in Walsall safe.”
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