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Operation Makesafe: Raising Awareness of Child Exploitation in Our Community

At Youth Unity, we are committed to protecting young people and educating the community about the risks they face. One of the growing concerns across the UK is child exploitation a serious issue that often goes unseen. That’s why we’re supporting Operation Makesafe, an initiative focused on helping everyone recognise the signs of exploitation and take action.

What is Operation Makesafe?

Operation Makesafe is a national campaign led by the police in partnership with local authorities and safeguarding teams. Its aim is to raise awareness of child sexual and criminal exploitation, especially in settings where children may be at risk—such as hotels, taxis, takeaways, shopping centres, and public transport.

The key message of Operation Makesafe is simple: child exploitation is everyone’s business.

Why It Matters

Exploitation doesn’t always look like what people expect. It can involve grooming, manipulation, or coercion, and it can happen to any young person, regardless of their background. Offenders often target places where young people spend time or where staff may not be trained to spot the warning signs.

By raising awareness, Operation Makesafe empowers individuals and businesses to become part of the solution identifying potential abuse early and helping to protect vulnerable young people.

What to Look Out For

There are often subtle signs that a young person may be at risk, including:

• Being with older individuals who seem controlling
• Appearing anxious, withdrawn, or afraid
• Arriving at hotels or venues with little luggage or ID
• Regularly being picked up or dropped off in private vehicles
• Talking about money, gifts, or situations that seem inappropriate for their age

If something doesn’t feel right report it. Trust your instincts.

How You Can Help

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or member of the public, you have a role to play.

• Learn the signs of exploitation
• Talk openly with young people about safety and healthy relationships
• Report any concerns to the police or safeguarding services

If you’re a business owner or frontline worker, training is available to help you identify risks and respond appropriately. Youth Unity also offers educational sessions and resources for schools, youth groups, and community spaces.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Operation Makesafe reminds us that protecting young people takes a whole-community approach. By staying informed, looking out for warning signs, and acting when something feels wrong, we can all help to prevent exploitation and keep young people safe.

If you’d like more information or to arrange awareness training through Youth Unity, please get in touch. Let’s work together to build a safer community.

Lean: also known as “Purple Drank,” “Sizzurp,” or “Dirty Sprite” is a recreational drink made by mixing codeine-based cough syrup with soft drinks and sometimes sweets or alcohol. While it may appear harmless, Lean poses serious health risks and is illegal to possess or supply without a prescription.

Health Risks and Long-Term Effects:

• Addiction: The codeine in Lean is an opioid, which can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Mayo Clinic​

• Respiratory Depression: High doses can slow breathing to dangerous levels, especially when combined with other depressants like alcohol. PubMed​

• Organ Damage: Regular use can harm the liver, kidneys, and bladder, potentially leading to long-term health issues. Mayo Clinic​

• Mental Health Issues: Users may experience hallucinations, confusion, and mood disturbances. Catch22​

UK Statistics and Trends:

• Lean use is rising among UK youth, influenced by social media and music culture. Catch22​

• In 2022–2023, 0.8% of young people in treatment reported codeine misuse, a slight decrease from previous years. GOV.UK​

• Due to increasing misuse, codeine linctus has been reclassified as a prescription-only medicine in the UK. GOV.UK​

Legal Implications:

Possessing or supplying codeine without a prescription is illegal in the UK. Penalties can include up to 5 years in prison for possession and up to 14 years for supply, along with unlimited fines. Catch22​

Support and Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling with Lean or codeine misuse, support is available:

• Talk to Frank: Confidential advice on drugs and substance misuse. Catch22​

• Catch22: Resources and support for young people on substance misuse. Catch22​

• NHS: Information on codeine and its side effects. nhs.uk​

Early intervention can prevent long-term health issues and legal consequences. Stay informed and seek help if needed.​

Raising Awareness: The Dangers of Ketamine Abuse

At Youth Unity, we believe it’s vital to raise awareness around the growing issue of ketamine misuse among young people. What was once considered a club drug is now increasingly being used by school-age children, with alarming trends emerging across the UK.

Ketamine is a powerful dissociative anaesthetic that is cheap, widely accessible, and often appealing to young people due to its short-lived effects. However, its impact on the body can be long-lasting and incredibly harmful.

One of the early warning signs of frequent ketamine use is ketamine-induced cystitis, a painful bladder condition that can cause urinary urgency, frequency, and even permanent bladder damage. In more severe cases, ketamine use can lead to abdominal pain, known as “K-cramps,” and serious injury to the liver, kidneys, and brain.

Startling statistics reveal that nearly 1% of primary school children have already experimented with ketamine, and educators are reporting cases of use during school hours, including break times. This reflects just how accessible and normalised this substance is becoming among young people.

If you are a parent, carer, teacher, youth worker, or a young adult yourself, it’s essential to be informed. Recognising the signs of ketamine use early could help prevent long-term damage and support early intervention.

Signs to look out for may include:

• Frequent or painful urination

• Unexplained abdominal pain

• Noticeable changes in mood or behaviour

• Memory loss or confusion

• Disinterest in school, work, or family life

We urge our community to take this issue seriously. Education and open conversations are key to prevention. If you’re concerned about a young person or would like more information, support, or resources, please get in touch with our team at Youth Unity. We’re here to help.

Together, we can work to keep our young people safe and informed.