Still puts his name to Luton Safeguarding Children Board's pledge
Manager John Still was on hand to mark the launch of the Luton Safeguarding Pledge by being the first community representative to sign the pledge at Kenilworth Road on Monday.
Luton Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) has brought community groups together to commit to a shared responsibility to protect children and young people from abuse and harm.
And the Luton Safeguarding Children Board launched its safeguarding pledge at Kenilworth Road as the boss was joined by the Hatters’ Head of Community Trust with Kevin Thoburn, to acknowledge the Club’s and Trust’s commitment to protecting children and young people.
In consultation with different communities the LSCB developed a pledge which organisations sign up to, promising to protect children and young people from:
• being groomed and sexually exploited and abused in our community and online
• physical abuse, female genital mutilation, bullying and cyber bullying
• being drawn into violent and extreme behaviour both in our community and abroad
Communities who sign the pledge will also agree to promote the emotional wellbeing of children so that they can achieve and do well and enjoy a healthy way of life.
Still told lutontown.co.uk: “I am honoured to be signing the pledge on behalf of Luton Town. I am confident this pledge will be part of a campaign which protects all those young people who need it most – some of them may be future footballers or indeed supporters of Luton Town. I am delighted that Luton Borough Council is taking this initiative seriously in such an open and engaging way.”
Thoburn added: “Young people are our future and we place the welfare and protection of all of our young players above all else - we have a holistic approach to our involvement with children and their wellbeing and strive to ensure they enjoy a healthy way of life.”
Fran Pearson, Independent Chair, Luton Safeguarding Children Board said: “Put simply, safeguarding children is everyone’s business. We all must work together if we are to protect children and young people from all forms of abuse including sexual exploitation, FGM and also to raise awareness that violent and extreme behaviours is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in Luton.
“We know communities are fully supportive of the safeguarding pledge and we are delighted that Luton Town Football Club and the Trust are the first community groups to show their commitment to protecting our young people.”
For more information on the pledge and the LSCB, visit http://lutonlscb.org.uk.