A CAMPAIGN founded in York to tackle child sexual exploitation and abuse, is to be rolled out into South Yorkshire and Wales.

It's Not Okay is a campaign to raise awareness of abuse by using different schemes to share messages with professionals, parents and children. Last year in York, it was delivered by York Safeguarding Children Board, the NSPCC and North Yorkshire Police.

The campaign includes a specialist play written by two York St John University lecturers and aimed at secondary school children, with messages delivered in interactive sessions and a play developed by Jules Dorey Richmond and Rachel Conlon.

The play focusses on four young characters who, through the course of 30 minutes, show how easy it is for children to find themselves in difficult situations. After being commissioned to tour South Wales earlier this year, there are now plans to bring the play to Sheffield.

Jules Dorey Richmond said: "The response to It’s Not Okay has been overwhelmingly positive. During the tour we have again found that drama is an effective tool for engaging young people in, and talking about, difficult subject matters.

"We have been impressed by the level and expertise of support around the production, which has enabled young people to receive timely and effective help."

Helen Westerman, NSPCC campaigns manager, said: "The York St John theatre team deliver some powerful messages in subtle and thought-provoking ways. The workshops that accompany the play also give 11 and 12 year olds an opportunity to explore these issues in a safe and supportive environment.

"We’re really looking forward to bringing the play to Sheffield, and I’m sure it will have as much of an impact there as it has in York. It can be so hard pitching information like this at young people – making it relevant without being patronising – but Jules and Rachel have done an absolutely outstanding job with this play."

*Childline can be contacted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk or adults can contact the helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 800 5000, by texting 88858 or visiting www.nspcc.org.uk.