Our Services
Our projects include 1-2-1 support, outreach work, targeted group work programmes and co-delivered information workshops. From initial risk assessment and referral processes, we assess the children and young people using a contextual safeguarding framework, which is recognised as one of the most current and effective approaches.
Our staff use the children and young people’s understanding, knowledge and awareness to create change within them. This change could be behavioural, social or cultural. This includes exploring support around healthy relationships, protective behaviours and self-esteem. Our support is long-term allowing us to consistently demonstrate improved levels of wellbeing.
Our work is based upon our philosophy of three main strands: Choice (Prevention), Challenge (Cycle of Exploitation) and Change (Youth Participation).
reported improved levels of well-being
91%
engagement rate
94%
90%
retention rate for services
exited a life of exploitaiton
98%
Previous Beneficiary
“I can speak in my own words and be understood.”
Previous Beneficiary
"Well it makes sense to learn what I’m learning and understanding it - it stops me doing it.”
Previous Beneficiary
“My Link to Change worker hears what I say and doesn’t judge me.”
Who We Work With
Collaboration is central to the work we do and to the outcomes we achieve for children and young people.
Link to Change works closely with key partners across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes, including the Police and Local Authorities. We participate in a range of multi-agency meetings that focus on preventing and responding to child exploitation and serious youth violence. Our CEO represents the organisation at strategic panels and reviews, advocating for effective responses to exploitation and championing the role of the voluntary sector.
We also work alongside universities and academic research centres, such as University of Bedfordshire and Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse to support greater understanding of child sexual and criminal exploitation. Through our Youth Participation programme, young people provide valuable insight and act in an advisory capacity to local partners, helping shape policies and practices that impact their lives.
Our Work in the Community
Our team is actively involved in supporting and engaging with the local community.
At Link to Change, our commitment to making a positive impact is unwavering. As a charity dedicated to supporting young people, we work to create safer, more informed, and more resilient communities. Our staff take part in community events, awareness initiatives, and partnership work that strengthens local responses to exploitation and supports the wellbeing of children and young people. All of our affiliations reflect our commitment to building strong partnerships and contributing to positive change across the region.
