Children and young people across Derbyshire who have been affected by child exploitation – particularly those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) – will receive vital help and support thanks to a £60,000 grant from Derbyshire Freemasons to specialist charity Safe and Sound.

The funding will support Safe and Sound’s Transforming Young Lives project, enabling the charity to provide specialist support to 30 young people each year over a three-year period.

The programme will focus primarily on children and young people with SEND, helping them to understand what has happened to them, stay safe, and begin to move forward with their lives. Last year, 51 per cent of young people supported by Safe and Sound either had a SEND diagnosis or were awaiting assessment.

The funding will make a significant difference to children and families by providing tailored, long-term support for as long as it is needed. While exploitation can happen to any child, those with SEND face increased risks. Safe and Sound delivers individualised support plans based on each young person’s needs, alongside wider family support where appropriate. The charity also advocates on behalf of young people, working closely with partner agencies to ensure access to the right services at the right time.

According to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), children with vulnerabilities – including SEND – are seven times more likely to experience online harm during their lifetime, while children with a disability are at least three times more likely to experience sexual exploitation. Communication challenges, social isolation and difficulties forming positive friendships can increase vulnerability, particularly online. When combined with increased use of gaming platforms and social media, these factors can heighten the risk of grooming and exploitation, including coercion into sharing self-generated sexual abuse material.

The grant from Derbyshire Freemasons is awarded through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends across England and Wales.

Derby’s business community gathered this week for a uniquely festive and profoundly inspiring Marketing Derby Bondholder Breakfast, hosted by the Safe and Sound Group at their newly opened premises, Melbourne House, in the city centre. The event, partnered with BB&J Commercial, served as a fantastic, positive way to round off the 2025 Bondholder calendar.

The focus of the morning was the charity’s incredible new headquarters – a facility described by attendee Dawn Spendlove as “just amazing, such an inspiring space, bright, welcoming, full of energy.”

Bondholders were given the opportunity to explore the new Melbourne House, which has been thoughtfully designed to facilitate the charity’s life-changing work. The space features a dedicated family kitchen, comfortable relaxation areas, and a range of activity stations.

As Marketing Derby noted, these facilities are crucial, helping Safe and Sound support more young people and families affected by child exploitation by providing a safe and welcoming sanctuary right in the city centre. Liz Horsey echoed this sentiment, stating it was “fantastic to see the incredible new space and talk to the Safe and Sound team, who are clearly loving it and the opportunities it is opening up.”

The event provided a platform for Safe and Sound’s leadership to share their essential mission. Attendees listened intently as Tracy Harrison, Chief Executive of Safe and Sound, spoke about the charity’s vital work. Mark Richardson, Partner at BB&J and instrumental in securing the new Melbourne House premises, then spoke passionately about his role as Chair of Trustees, discussing the collective effort to address the exploitation of young people across Derby and Derbyshire.

The 100-strong audience was clearly impacted by the challenges faced by young people, with the room becoming so silent you could “hear a pin drop.”

The feedback highlighted that the scope of their work goes far beyond what many realise, encompassing support, outreach, education, early intervention, youth activities, and broader community programmes. Chris Birds summarised the sentiment, congratulating the whole team on the “amazing work” being done.

A key takeaway from the morning was a powerful call to action for the corporate sector. The Safe and Sound team outlined numerous ways organisations of all sizes can get involved and genuinely make a tangible impact.

As Dawn Spendlove shared, “Even small actions can make a huge difference.” Whether through traditional fundraising and volunteering, offering professional expertise, sponsoring specific activity sessions, or simply amplifying the charity’s crucial message, the team stressed that there is a valuable role for every business in ensuring vulnerable young people have a safe and happy future.

Rachel Hayward captured the overall mood perfectly, calling it “the best morning” and “an event to end the year on.” The overwhelming atmosphere of warmth, reinforced by the festive spirit – complete with Christmas jumpers and antlers – underscored the collective dedication to making Derby a better, safer city.

The Safe and Sound team received a huge thank you for their warm welcome, with attendees leaving inspired by the “extraordinary work” that makes the city better because of them.

In the below video, Dean Jackson from HUUB speaks passionately about why local businesses should step up and become a Charity Partner. He gets it – it’s not just about writing a cheque; it’s about making a real difference in your community.

When you hear Dean talk about the benefits of a Charity Partnership, he highlights how it’s a win-win – and he’s right.

For Your Business, a Partnership Means:

1. Elevating Your Brand: You instantly associate your company with a mission that is protecting the most vulnerable members of our society. This resonates deeply with employees and customers.
2. Boosting Employee Morale: Giving your team a meaningful cause to rally behind builds culture, inspires loyalty, and offers powerful team-building opportunities.
3. Local Impact: Your support directly translates into more resources for one-to-one support, specialist therapy, and preventative education right here in our community.

• A Lifeline: It ensures we can keep our services free and accessible to those in desperate need.
• A Voice: Your financial commitment helps us advocate for change and challenge the systems that fail to protect children.
• Hope: It shows survivors they are not alone and that their community believes them and is willing to invest in their future.