Jun 17, 2025 | News, Opinion
Following the release of Baroness Casey’s report on the National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Tracy Harrison, CEO at Safe and Sound – Derby and Derbyshire’s child exploitation charity, has issued the following statement:
“We must address the uncomfortable truth that child exploitation occurs everywhere, including Derby and Derbyshire, despite the common misconception that “it doesn’t happen here.”
It’s a sad reality that vulnerable young people, particularly those with disabilities or in challenging circumstances, are at higher risk. As a community, we must unite to protect our children.
“We fully support the recommendation for professionals to collect better data, as we know child sexual exploitation is significantly underreported. In Derby and Derbyshire, we have a strong foundation of regular information sharing between statutory and voluntary agencies, though we acknowledge there’s still more we can all do.”
“As referred to on page 25 of the review, Safe and Sound played a crucial role, both nationally and locally through Operations Retriever and Kern – the first prosecutions for Child Sexual Exploitation in Derby and Derbyshire, in raising awareness and initiating our multi-agency collaborative efforts to combat this abhorrent and frequently concealed crime.”
“We hope this report leads to more long-term funding for victim support and efforts to combat child exploitation. We also want to see a more integrated approach within the criminal justice system, so young victims don’t face lengthy waits for their cases to be heard and for perpetrators to be brought to justice. Our work is deeply victim-centred and trauma-informed, providing support for as long as each child needs it. We’ve seen a significant increase in our caseload, from supporting 100 young people in 2019 to nearly 400 in 2023/24.”
“Our focus must remain firmly on the support of victims of child criminal exploitation. We must end victim blaming and the suggestion that young people contribute to their own exploitation. As Casey wisely stated, “we need to treat children as children.””
May 30, 2025 | Fundraising, News
Alison, a dedicated team member from the Derby-based charity Safe and Sound, has successfully completed an epic personal challenge, cycling 325km across Portugal from Sagres in the West to the Spanish border in the East. Her arduous six-day journey, which saw her cycle between 48 and 70 km daily across cobbles, rough terrain, and paved roads, was undertaken to raise crucial funds for the charity’s work with vulnerable young people.
Alison, who proudly works for Safe and Sound, highlighted her deep commitment to its mission.
“I chose to raise money for Safe and Sound as they are an amazing charity that I am proud to be able to say I work for,” Alison stated. “The money raised can enable us to help even more children and young people. It would support one person’s whole journey with Safe and Sound, or 20 individual sessions or 4 youth activities.”
Recounting her experience, Alison shared the highs and lows of the ride. “The toughest part of the ride was turning a corner and coming across yet more cobbles – that was very painful!” she laughed. “Riding along the boardwalks and across the cliffs was amazing. We hoped to see flamingos near Tavira, but they didn’t show up!” she added.
The cycling tour was organised, with luggage transported daily to the next hotel, meaning Alison and her companions only needed to carry water and snacks. Remarkably, Alison’s physical condition held up well.
“My legs were actually fine despite having had both knees replaced only 12 and 8 months ago!” she revealed.
She credits her regular weekend cycling with a group of similar-age and ability women in Duffield, typically covering 30km every Saturday morning. This wasn’t her first cycling adventure, having previously completed tours from Anglesey to Chester and a long weekend through the Derbyshire hills.
“Riding with my friends on this trip made it far more enjoyable,” Alison said. “We encouraged each other up the hills and over the cobbles and also enjoyed the times off the bikes in the saunas and steam rooms.”
For anyone considering taking up cycling, Alison offers strong encouragement. “If anyone else is thinking of getting into cycling then I would thoroughly encourage them to do so. It is so good for your mental and physical health and has little to no impact on the joints.” She also emphasised the motivation that comes from a charity challenge. “Making it into a challenge and getting sponsorship gives you the motivation to tackle the longer routes each day – there were shorter options, but because I had been sponsored I wanted to do the maximum mileage possible each day.”
Tracy Harrison, CEO of Safe and Sound, commented:
“We are absolutely bursting with pride for Ali’s extraordinary achievement. To cycle 325km across challenging terrain, especially with her recent knee replacements, is a testament to her incredible strength and determination. Her dedication to Safe and Sound, both as an employee and now as an awe-inspiring fundraiser, is truly remarkable. The funds she has raised will make a tangible difference, directly enabling more young people to access our vital services and experience the engaging activities that are so crucial for their development and well-being. Ali is a shining example of the passion that drives our team.”
May 27, 2025 | Fundraising, News
Safe and Sound, a Derby-based charity dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people affected by child exploitation, is thrilled to announce the overwhelming success of its charity race night held at Great Northern Classics in Derby last week. Over 100 enthusiastic attendees gathered for an evening of thrilling horse betting, camaraderie, and fundraising, collectively raising an incredible £5,500.
Every pound raised will directly support Safe and Sound’s vital mission to prevent, support, and help rebuild the lives of vulnerable children and young people in Derbyshire. While many of us have a clear idea of what it means to be “safe and sound,” the reality for countless young people is tragically far from this ideal due to the pervasive issue of child exploitation.
At Safe and Sound, the team is passionately committed to ensuring every child lives a life free from exploitation. Recognising that sadly many young people are still affected and far from safe, the charity works tirelessly to intervene, provide support, and ultimately empower individuals to rebuild their lives to a point where the charity’s services are no longer needed, no matter how long that journey takes.
Tracy Harrison, CEO at Safe and Sound, expressed her delight with the evening’s outcome:
“I am absolutely over the moon with the results of the race night! Seeing over 100 people come together, have amazing fun betting on the horses, and collectively raise over £5,500.00 is truly heart-warming. This significant amount will directly enhance our ability to protect and support children and young people in Derbyshire who are at risk or have been affected by exploitation. My sincerest thanks go out to everyone who took the time to come and support this vitally important cause. I also want to extend immense gratitude to all our incredible volunteers for their invaluable support on the night, and to my wonderful team of staff. Without our guests’ generosity and our team’s dedication, none of this would have been possible.”
Tracy also extended her heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors who made the race night possible. “Your generosity is instrumental in our fight against child exploitation. A very special mention goes to Pete Ellse at Cosy Direct for his incredible support – your contribution truly made a difference to the success of the event.”
May 14, 2025 | Jobs, News
Safe and Sound, a leading charity dedicated to supporting children and young people affected by child exploitation, has announced the appointment of Jenny Wye as their new PR and Communications Consultant. Jenny will be responsible for leading the charity’s public relations, events, and fundraising efforts.
Jenny brings a wealth of experience to Safe and Sound, with a proven track record of success in developing and implementing strategic communications campaigns for a variety of organisations both in the private and public sectors.
Prior to joining the charity, Jenny held senior communications roles at both Specsavers and Vision Express, where she worked hard to raise awareness of the importance of eye health.
“We are delighted to welcome Jenny to the team,”
Tracy Harrison, CEO at Safe and Sound.
“We are delighted to welcome Jenny to the team!
“er skills and experience will be invaluable as we continue to raise awareness of child exploitation and expand our services to support more young people. Jenny’s passion for making a difference aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are confident that she will play a key role in helping us achieve our goals.”
Jenny Wye added,
“I am thrilled to join Safe and Sound and contribute to their vital work. This is an organisation that makes a real difference to the lives of young people and I am excited to use my experience to help them reach even more individuals and communities.”
Safe and Sound provides specialist support to children, young people and their families across Derbyshire who are at risk of or affected by child exploitation, including sexual exploitation, online abuse, trafficking, and modern slavery.
May 7, 2025 | Fundraising, News
Debbie Kemp, Operations Manager at DHU Healthcare, has successfully completed the Brighton Marathon in support of Safe and Sound, a Derby-based charity committed to safeguarding children. Debbie raised over £1000’s to help the charity continue its vital work in protecting vulnerable children and providing them with the support they need.
Debbie’s decision to run the marathon stems from a deep personal commitment to children’s welfare and a desire to make a tangible difference in their lives:
“I was over the moon to have completed the Brighton Marathon in 5hr 59 mins. It was tough due to the heat but I didn’t let that stop me completing it for Safe and Sound.
The work they do really touched my heart and the issues they are having to deal with are only getting worse. I have four grandchildren and worry constantly about them,” said Debbie.
“Every child deserves to feel safe and protected, and I wanted to do my part to support an organisation that works so hard to make that a reality.”
Safe and Sound’s focus is to transform the lives of children and young people in Derbyshire who are affected by child exploitation. The funds raised by Debbie’s marathon effort will go directly towards supporting children, young people and families whose lives have been affected by child exploitation including online grooming, sexual exploitation, County Lines, trafficking, modern slavery and radicalisation.
The CEO of Safe and Sound, Tracy Harrison said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Debbie for her amazing efforts in running the Brighton Marathon. Her commitment and support will make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children. Every pound raised helps us to reach more children in need and provide them with the protection and support they deserve. We rely on the support of people like Debbie to continue our vital work, and we are truly inspired by their willingness to go the extra mile – literally! Thank you.”
Debbie decided to she need to get fit ten years ago. She gave up smoking, lost weight and joined a local club AAJ (All About Jeffing). Since then, has taken part in many charity events and last year she was the first person to be presented with The Civic Hero Award by Derby University, in recognition of her fundraising achievements and contributions to the local community.
Having balanced her work at DHU Healthcare with an intensive training schedule, Debbie said she would never run again! However, she has just been accepted to run in the Manchester Marathon on 19th April 2026, which will be the day after her 59th birthday, and has promised to donate all the money she raises to Safe and Sound!
For more information about child exploitation, Safe and Sound Derby and how to support our work, please get in touch:
[email protected]
Apr 11, 2025 | News, Safe Derby
As part of this year’s Great British Spring Clean, Derby-based child exploitation charity Safe and Sound rallied together with partner organisations, local councillors, school children, and community volunteers for a full day of action and transformation around its Osmaston Community Hub on Cotton Lane.
From 9am to 4pm, teams worked tirelessly to refresh and revitalise the outdoor spaces surrounding the hub – home to Safe and Sound’s daily youth and family sessions. The collaborative clean-up saw everything from jet washing and floor scraping to planting, waste removal, and more.
Safe and Sound CEO, Tracy Harrison, said:
“A massive thank you to all the incredible people who rolled up their sleeves to make this day such a success – from Derby City Council, Derby Homes, local councillors, and children from Ashwood Spencer Academy, to our own Safe and Sound staff and volunteers.”
“The energy, enthusiasm, and teamwork on display was truly heart-warming. From new planters and soil to refreshing the outdoor areas, plus all the refreshments and support behind the scenes, it really was a fabulous day.”
The event had a strong intergenerational feel, with local school children enthusiastically joining in the planting efforts and receiving planting kits and ice pops as a thank-you from the partner organisations.
Tracy Harrison went onto say:
“Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they got involved in the planting and left with something to grow at home was incredibly special. These small but meaningful experiences are what build lasting memories and a stronger community.”
The initiative was a shining example of the power of partnership and the positive impact of working together for a common cause!
