Free safeguarding sessions for taxi drivers

Taxi drivers in Carmarthenshire are being offered free training to help protect vulnerable people.
Sessions are being delivered in Llanelli, Carmarthen and Ammanford this month in a bid to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE) as well as all other aspects of safeguarding.
In a joint initiative with the council and Dyfed Powys Police, drivers will learn how to spot signs that vulnerable people may be at risk, know how to report their concerns and who to contact.
Government discussions are underway to introduce mandatory safeguarding training for all taxi drivers so people are being urged to book now and take advantage of the free course.
Already over 100 cab drivers have benefited from sessions held last month and drivers are being encouraged to book early as spaces are limited.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member, Cllr Philip Hughes said: “This training helps taxi drivers recognise potential issues as they are the eyes and ears of the community and should they have any concerns they will know which authorities to contact. These sessions are also free of charge and the likelihood is, if they become mandatory, there will be charge for training so we would encourage them to take advantage of this offer and book now.”
Sessions will be held in Meeting Room 1 at Llanelli Town Hall on August 21 at 2pm; Council Chamber, 3 Spilman St in Carmarthen on August 21 at 10.30am and Council Chamber, Ammanford Town Hall on August 22 at 10.30am. To book call 01267 234567 or email schtaxilicensing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Dyfed Powys Police Detective Superintendent, Anthony Griffiths said: “Identifying and tackling CSE is a priority for Dyfed-Powys Police and we recognise that the support of the public is absolutely vital to achieving better outcomes.
“We are pleased to be working with Carmarthenshire County Council to deliver this training to taxi drivers, who play an important role in the community.
“Police officers are being actively trained to recognise the early signs that can identify children at risk, but we all have a role to play in ensuring that children have a safe environment to grow up in.
“Safeguarding children is everybody’s business. Any child can be sexually exploited no matter what culture, ethnicity, religion, whether a boy or a girl from any background.”