Parents, carers and businesses from the Buckinghamshire are being invited to a series of events raising awareness about Child Sexual Exploitation.

The first meeting which is being hosted as part of the R U Wise 2 It? Campaign, an initiative by the Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board (BSCB) will take place on Monday, September 14 at Chesham Grammar School.

There will also be an event on September 30 at Cressex School at 7pm.

Partner agencies of BSCB including Barnardos, Buckinghamshire County Council and Thames Valley Police will be leading the talk.

Child Sexual Exploitation involves the coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity, it is a form of sexual abuse often involving the exchange of rewards for in order for sexual favours.

The signs can often be hard to spot, experts say, as it is easy to misconstrue many warning signs as the behaviour displayed by many maturing teenagers, and young people may not realise anything is wrong until too late.

Fran Gosling-Thomas, Chair of Buckinghamshire’s Safeguarding Children Board is hoping the talks will help prevent cases within the county.

She said: "CSE is a growing issue across the UK and we cannot afford to be complacent in Buckinghamshire.

"Sexual exploitation is secretive. The abusers are manipulative and young people often don’t realise what is happening to them until it’s too late, or even think what is happening is wrong.

"By raising awareness of warning signs, it is hoped that more people will be able to spot these signs and come forward with information to detect and prevent exploitation.”

Places for the event are limited, and anyone wishing to attend is urged to book via buckscomms@buckscc.gov.uk.

If you would like to seek further information on Child Sexual Exploitation, please visit www.ruwise2it.co.uk.