Sussex Youth Ambassadors have completed a successful year of work raising awareness of the dangers of online grooming among young people across the county.
The ambassadors are recruited by the Breck Foundation and funded by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne OBE. Earlier in 2025, 48 Youth Ambassadors were recruited from 14 schools across Sussex and received specialist training to help them speak directly to their peers about staying safe online.
As part of their role, the ambassadors share the story of Breck Bednar, a 14-year-old boy who was killed in 2014 after being groomed online while playing video games. The training programme also included team-building sessions, preparing the young people to confidently deliver assemblies and workshops in schools.
Since completing their training, the Youth Ambassadors have delivered sessions in schools across Sussex, helping children and young people better understand the risks of online grooming and how to protect themselves. By the end of 2025, the group will have reached almost 4,000 children and young people across the region.
The ambassadors have delivered 20 school assemblies, engaged with 191 students at the Crawley Junior Citizen Event, and delivered six sessions at BHASVIC during its student conference season. Their work has been praised for delivering important safety messages in a way that is relatable and accessible for young audiences.
As well as raising awareness of online dangers, the Youth Ambassador programme has helped participants develop valuable life skills. Many have reported increased confidence, improved public speaking abilities and a stronger understanding of how to communicate important safety information effectively.
Parents and schools across Sussex have welcomed the programme, highlighting both the impact of the sessions on students and the personal development shown by the Youth Ambassadors themselves. Organisers say the initiative continues to play an important role in helping young people stay safe online while empowering them to educate others.
Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: "Online grooming of children is a growing problem and the consequences can be terrifying which is why I have joined forces with the Breck Foundation to protect future generations. The continued success of our Sussex Youth Ambassadors is not just a testament to their own passions - it is the direct result of the Breck Foundation team’s unwavering commitment to empowering young voices. By giving the Youth Ambassadors the confidence and tools to share such an important and transformative story, they have sparked a movement that has the power to shape the future of education. This is more than a programme - it’s a catalyst for change. I am eager to see the Youth Ambassadors take the next bold step - challenging and influencing school curricula to ensure every young person receives an education that truly prepares them for life."
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