Concept Claim Solutions Franchisees Support Ivison Trust to Fight Child Exploitation

Criminal Exploitation in the UK Is on the Rise

In 2023/24 alone, over 14,500 children were identified as being at risk of criminal exploitation. Many were caught up in “county lines” operations, where gangs use young people to transport drugs between towns and cities. But the true number is likely much higher. Back in 2020, the National Youth Agency estimated around 60,000 young people were either involved with gangs or had siblings who were.

Grooming often begins in schools, places most of us consider safe. Offenders use subtle and calculated methods, often involving other children, to gain trust before isolating and coercing their victims. It’s a frighteningly common process that many families never see coming.

Ivison Trust Provides Lifeline Support for Families in Crisis

Founded in 1996 by a parent whose daughter was a victim of sexual exploitation, Ivison Trust has grown into a trusted charity supporting families across England and Wales. Its mission is to protect children from harm by working in close partnership with parents, police, and social services.

The charity offers direct support to families, a confidential helpline, and specialised training for professionals in education, policing, and social care. Their trauma-informed, family-centred approach helps identify warning signs early and empowers families to take action.

Concept Claim Solutions Franchisees Climb Snowdon to Raise Funds and Awareness

In August, franchise partners and head office staff from Concept Claim Solutions took on the challenge of climbing Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, to raise funds for Ivison Trust and highlight the urgent need to tackle child exploitation.

Andy Wlamsley, Director at Concept Claim Solutions, shared the emotional weight of the experience:

The climb up Snowdon was tough, but each step felt impactful, knowing we were raising funds for a crisis line. A colleague shared a harrowing experience when her teenage son was groomed at school and taken 70 miles away to a trap house, cut off from the world and forced into unimaginable situations out of sheer fear. Sadly, this tragedy is not an isolated incident; it’s happening to children all across the UK.

For franchisees and business owners, supporting charities like Ivison Trust offers a meaningful way to give back to the community. Whether through fundraising, partnerships, or simply helping to raise awareness, local businesses can play a powerful role in protecting children and supporting families in crisis.

For the Concept Claim Solutions team, the Snowdon climb was more than a physical challenge. It was a step towards change—and for some families, that change could be life-saving.