THE problem of child sexual exploitation is being highlighted via a sponsored 20-mile walk in the North York Moors.

The walk, which will take place on Saturday, will start at the Barn in Hutton-le-Hole at 8am and wind up through the moors to Rosedale and back again.

It is being organised by the charity Basis Yorkshire as part of its Time2 Project.

Basis is an organisation that works with 60 young people a year who are being sexually exploited.

In North Yorkshire, the Time2 Project specifically supports boys and girls in York, Selby, Harrogate, Scarborough and Ryedale.

The project’s staff give talks in schools and offer one-to-one

confidential support to young people of both genders who are being sexually exploited or are at serious medium-to-high risk of being so.

Karen Chapman, project manager of Time 2 project, Basis Yorkshire, said: “Despite the good progress being made in awareness of child sexual exploitation in York and North Yorkshire, there is still a lack of understanding about different aspects, risks and variabilities around child sexual exploitation.

“For instance, how difficult it may be to realise it’s happening and the fact that victim-blaming still happens based on stereotypes and gendered expectations. While we already deliver training to professionals and raise awareness in schools, alongside our one-to-one support work, this campaign is to inform the general public, including parents, young people we don’t see in schools and professionals that may not be accessing our training.”

The day after the walk, Sunday, March 18, is the National Day to End Child Sexual Exploitation, which aims to encourage everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse.

Full support and back up for the walk will be provided and the only condition is to raise a minimum of £50 per person to be donated to Time2. This will be a dog-friendly walk and anyone can participate. Walkers can register on the day.

Karen added: “We’d love to have as many people talking part or showing support by donating or raising awareness of the walk.”

For booking details and more information, go to time2project.org/fundraisers-and-events