Scottish ethnic minority charity seeks support from First Minister for helpline to target child sexual exploitation and radicalisation

A Scottish charity plans to set up a helpline for young Scots affected by radicalisation and child sexual exploitation.

Following an event titled Exploiting, Exploited in Glasgow earlier this month, Roshni, the national charity at the forefront of addressing key issues affecting Scotland’s minority ethnic population, is seeking to bring forward a range of new measures to help tackle radicalisation and child sexual exploitation (CSE) UK-wide.

It is seeking support from Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the Home Secretary Theresa May MP for the peer counselling hotline to act as an emergency response for those affected by CSE and radicalisation.

The proposed hotline would ensure that callers in need of assistance are able to access vital information without having to reveal their location and personal details.

It is clear following the event that these issues cannot be resolved from the bedroom, boardroom or the confines of Holyrood and Westminster

Roshni, which is based in Glasgow, has announced its intentions to work with national agencies to help facilitate further forums for safe, direct, discussion on the topic of radicalisation and CSE across the country. It wants to increase understanding of national views and providing further platforms to consider cause, prevention and intervention solutions.

Ali Khan, the charity's executive chair, said: “Exploiting, Exploited helped to bring together minority ethnic young people and community activists with professionals and national-decision makers, give them a voice and help them to direct the conversation surrounding radicalisation and CSE.

“It is clear following the event that these issues cannot be resolved from the bedroom, boardroom or the confines of Holyrood and Westminster. By taking this discussion on the road, and providing support to those that need it most, we will make meaningful progress in finding practical solutions to these problems.”