CE Awareness Week & Operation Makesafe
Working together to keep young people safe
Operation Makesafe is a partnership approach used across Essex to raise awareness of child exploitation and strengthen safeguarding in community spaces such as hotels, fast‑food outlets and leisure venues.
It forms part of Essex’s Risk in the Community approach, which focuses on preventing harm by working together to make everyday places safer for children and young people.
What is Child Exploitation Awareness Week?
Child Exploitation Awareness Week takes place annually and brings together local partners to:
- Raise awareness of how exploitation can happen outside the home
- Support communities and businesses to spot concerns early
- Promote reporting and information sharing
- Strengthen safeguarding practice across the county
During the week, partners carry out targeted awareness‑raising activity in locations where young people may be present or visible.
What is Operation Makesafe activity?
During Operation Makesafe, trained professionals visit hospitality and leisure venues to:
- Share clear, practical safeguarding information
- Support staff to recognise signs that something may not be right
- Explain what to do and how to report concerns
- Answer questions and provide reassurance
These visits are supportive and preventative. They are not inspections and do not assume that exploitation is happening.
What venues can expect
If your venue is visited during CE Awareness Week, you can expect:
- A short, informal conversation with staff
- Simple guidance tailored to your setting
- Practical materials you can share with your team
- Clear reporting routes and next steps
The focus is on building confidence, not placing responsibility on staff to investigate or prove concerns.
Why this matters
Exploitation can be hidden and may develop over time. Staff working in everyday community spaces may notice patterns or behaviours that others do not. By working together through Operation Makesafe, partners and businesses can:
- Help deter exploitation
- Identify concerns earlier
- Create safer environments for young people
If something doesn’t feel right, sharing information can make a real difference to protect a child.
Want to know more?
If you would like further information, resources, or follow‑up support after a visit, please explore the resources on this page or speak to the visiting team. You can also contact escb@essex.gov.uk
Key Resources:
Leaflet for venues; Leaflet For Hospitality
Poster for venues; operation-makesafe-2024-a3-posters.pdf
Hotel visit checklist CE Awareness Week: Hotel Visit Checklist – Fill in form
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Impact log CE Awareness Week 2026: Officer Impact Log – Fill in form
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