Leisurewatch

'Leisurewatch' is a Project developed by the Derwent Initiative with funding from the Home Office. In Surrey, the Lucy Faithfull Foundation administers the Project and provides training to staff in leisure venues.

Leisurewatch(Surrey) is a scheme that brings together trained staff in leisure venues and named police officers responsible for community safety, in order to reduce the risk of harm to children and young people. It ensures that there is an effective system in place to respond appropriately to concerns about the behaviour of an individual within a facility.

The aims of Leisurewatch are:

	To increase awareness of the potential risks posed to children by sexual offending in public leisure spaces
	To reduce the risks posed by those who sexually offend by educating responsible groups in the community
	To empower responsible groups to take action

Child protection professionals from The Lucy Faithfull Foundation and Surrey Police train staff within the leisure facility to be observant, alert and vigilant to behaviours that cause concern, and to be aware of the vulnerability of some children and young people.

The information obtained through Leisurewatch may result in early intervention that prevents offences against children from taking place, and may possibly assist in the detection of offenders.

Leisurewatch has a strong public image, with its leaflets and posters displayed in venues showing that the staff have been trained to be observant and aware of the safety of children and young people, and know what to do if they see behaviour that causes any concern.

If you are interested in Leisurewatch within the Surrey area please contact our Surrey office 0870 774 6354

or if you live outside Surrey please make contact The Derwent Initiative -0191 274 5858.

(Leisurewatch complements procedures already in place within a leisure facility and does not seek to replace them)