Sussex Youth Ambassadors lead fight against online grooming

A pioneering youth-led programme is continuing to grow across Sussex, helping young people protect themselves and their peers from online grooming.

The Youth Ambassador programme was launched in 2025 by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne in partnership with the Breck Foundation. It aims to raise awareness of online grooming among schoolchildren through peer-to-peer education.

Students involved in the scheme share the tragic story of 14-year-old Breck Bednar, while helping classmates recognise the warning signs of online grooming and understand how to respond.

In its first year, 48 Youth Ambassadors from 14 local schools led 40 assemblies, reaching more than 6,500 young people across Sussex.

The ambassadors have also helped create and embed seven new safeguarding lesson plans into school curricula, strengthening how schools approach online safety and student protection.

Their achievements were celebrated at the University of Brighton on 30 June 2026, where students, parents, educators and partners gathered to recognise the first cohort and welcome the next group, who will officially step forward in September.

With the new intake, Sussex now has 88 trained Youth Ambassadors forming a growing network dedicated to keeping young people safe online. Awards including ‘Voice of Change’ and ‘Youth Ambassador of the Year’ were presented, before the original cohort formally handed over to the new group.

Speaking at the event, PCC Katy Bourne said: “I have an immense sense of pride in our Youth Ambassadors for all they have achieved over the past year - they are powerful role models for our next cohort to follow.

“Peer-to-peer education is one of the most effective ways to equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to face the risks they encounter today. I am delighted that I am able to fund and support this work through my office.

“I have every faith that our new cohort will continue to champion Breck’s legacy and make a lasting difference for young people across Sussex.

“As the programme enters its second year, we are building a stronger, youth-driven defence against online harm - one conversation, one classroom and one Ambassador, at a time.”

Erica Thornton, CEO Breck Foundation said: "I could not be prouder of our Youth Ambassadors. Over the past year, they have exceeded every expectation, growing into confident advocates for online safety and finding innovative, creative ways to engage their peers with this vital message. Their passion, commitment and willingness to lead by example have been truly inspiring.

"None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of Katy Bourne and the team at the Office of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner. They have been an outstanding partner throughout this journey, believing in the project from the very beginning and helping us create opportunities that are making a genuine difference to young people's lives.

"I also want to pay special tribute to Giselle Wild, the beating heart of the Youth Ambassador Project. Her dedication, expertise and unwavering support have been instrumental in its success. From carefully selecting an exceptional group of young people to mentoring and encouraging them every step of the way, Giselle has helped create something truly special. Thanks to her leadership, the project continues to go from strength to strength, and we are delighted to be embarking on another year together."

Giselle Wild, Project Co-ordinator reflected on the event: “The YA Celebration event was just that - a brilliant reflection on all of Cohort 1’s achievements, and a big welcome to Cohort 2s in anticipation of the wonderful waves they will make in the online safety world. It was so powerful to see them all together, all with their eyes on the prize. A very special group of young people indeed and I feel honoured to be able to support them on their journey!”

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