A NEW scheme designed to prevent young people in Worcester from being enticed into under age sex or getting involved in unhealthy relationships has been launched by West Mercia Police.

The innovative Empower programme, which has emerged after the police joined forces with South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership, aims to tackle the national increase in reports of sexual exploitation of young people.

Teenagers identified as being vulnerable or potentially at risk of sexual exploitation will be participating in the programme over the summer.

It is aiming to help young people recognise the traits of abusive relationships, how to avoid them and how to get support. They are also informed how to make a safe exit if they do become embroiled in an abusive relationship.

The signs a young person is at risk includes if they go missing from home or school, truanting, hanging around with older males, binge drinking and taking drugs, having low self-esteem, secrecy of relationships and hiding where they have been from parents and carers.

They also could be engaging in sexualised conversations, not having consistent friendship groups, and have poor or strained relationships at home.

Sessions are designed to be as relaxed, fun and interactive.

Ann Nicholls, who co-runs the initiative on behalf of South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership, said: "We'll be having open and frank discussions around sexual health, young people's rights and their consent.

"It's so sad when you see young people who've encountered abusive relationships having the confidence knocked out of them.

"Young people may look grown up, but they still need advice, support and above all, for people to take regular time out to listen to them.

"We need parents, friends, teachers, neighbours and others to work together to tackle exploitation.

"If we don't do something now, we can only expect the numbers of young people who experience the misery of abuse to rise further."

Police safer schools officer, Jenny Humphries, said: "The project is designed to help young people recognise the signs of abusive relationships, how to avoid them and where to get support."

High schools throughout Worcester have been contacted about holding sessions, and it is expected that at least 100 young people will participate in the scheme before the end of July.