A PCC-funded workshop is helping autistic and neurodivergent young people understand and navigate the risks of unsafe relationships. 

Daisy Chain has been running Stronger Voices’ workshops across Stockton and Billingham – thanks to £15,000-worth of funding from Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner’s Protect and Support Fund.  

The workshops look at unsafe relationships, online safety, exploitation and risk-taking behaviours. 

They provide young people, aged 11 to 16, with practical knowledge and strategies to help keep them safe and build the confidence to recognise when they may need to get support. 

In addition to workshops for younger children, Daisy Chain has delivered two sessions for young adults, aged 18–25. They explored safe relationships and financial vulnerabilities, helping participants to recognise risk and make informed life choices. 

All workshops are delivered in a safe – and relaxed – space so young people find it easy to share their experiences, build confidence, strengthen relationships and make sure their voices are heard. 

At the end of the nine-month project, all material produced during Stronger Voices will be available online for parents, children and young people and schools and holiday clubs. 

Sharing material lets schools deliver their own sessions. It also gives parents and young people details of what to do and where to go if they think they may need help. 

Nicola Nicholson, Daisy Chain’s Project Manager, said some of the young adults, who the charity supports, may face increased risk of exploitation from unsafe relationships. That’s especially true if young people are looking for social connection, trust more easily or have had fewer opportunities to develop relationship and safety skills. 

She said: “The project has strengthened our understanding of the barriers, which autistic and neurodivergent young people can face, in recognising, responding to and reporting harm.  

“The workshops have been directly shaped by lived experience, ensuring content reflects the real challenges and experiences faced by participants. 

“With lived experience at the heart of the programme, Stronger Voices is delivering accessible, relevant and neurodivergent-informed safeguarding education. 

“It empowers young people, strengthens understanding and helps build safer, more resilient communities.” 

Nicola added that future sessions may explore decision-making and managing risk. This follows discussions, highlighting some young people’s interest in trying new experiences without always recognising the potential risks. 

Cleveland PCC Matt Storey said: “Having seen one of the workshops in action, I know the level of trust, which Daisy Chain has built up with its young people. 

“It’s important that the sessions take place in such a safe space so the participants can feel they can fully contribute to discussions – and help co-produce any learning, which comes from this project. 

“Communication and relationships are difficult for everyone – so imagine the challenges if you see the world slightly differently to everyone else. 

“It’s important that we protect the most vulnerable in our communities from abusive relationships and potential exploitation by helping to support projects like this.”