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BRAVE TEEN SHARES POEM TO PROTECT OTHERS FROM CHILD EXPLOITATION
REGISTRATION FOR 2025“ MARCH WITH PRIDE” OPENS
A brave Wirral teenager is hoping to help protect other young people from child exploitation, by sharing powerful poetry about her own experiences.
The poem, titled‘ The Friends Who Led Me Astray’ is a deeply heartfelt and moving piece about her experiences being criminally and sexually exploited as a child, betrayed by people she thought were her friends. The teen, who remains anonymous, has written the piece as part of her healing journey. Following support from Wirral Council’ s Compass team, who work directly with families and young people around a range of issues related to safeguarding and child exploitation, she is now safe, she’ s learning to drive and has aspirations for her future. Read the full poem here:
The Friends Who Led Me Astray
They called my name with voices sweet, Told me of the roads where we could meet- Away from here, away from them A life that felt like it could transcend“ Come with us, we’ ll be just fine, Escape with us, leave it all behind”.
And so I followed, lost in their sound, Chasing freedom, running from the ground. But with every step, I lost my way. I left behind what mattered that day.
The laughter was hollow, the smiles were thin, their friendship felt like a game to win. They told me to run, to leave it all, But never once did they catch my fall. In the chase, they were the spark, But I was the one left in the dark. I thought they cared, I thought they knew, But the road I took just broke me through.
They weren’ t the ones who stayed behind, It was me – lost, travelling blind. They spoke of adventure, of joy and light, But the cost was clear in the dead of night. No real friend would push you to break, To run so far, to lose what’ s at stake. Now I see it – was I ever seen? Or just a pawn in someone’ s dream?
Their voices, once loud, now ring so hollow, And I wonder, what was I meant to follow? The freedom they promised, the lies they sold, All came crashing, too much to hold.
But now I have found my truth, my way, I’ m not lost anymore today. I have my friends, the ones who stay, Who lift me up, who guide my way. They don’ t ask me to run, to flee, They push me to be the best I can be. With my boyfriend by my side, so true, They helped me grow, they see me through.
No longer chasing shadows, lost and blind, I’ ve found the love and peace I’ d hoped to find. True friends don’ t break you, they help you rise. They see your worth, they open your eyes.
Liverpool city region’ s annual Pride March is set to take place on Saturday 26th July, with organisers LCR Pride Foundation announcing that“ March with Pride” registrations are now open.
LGBTQ + individuals and allies, alongside organisations and community groups are invited to stand against rising hate, discrimination and prejudice towards LGBTQ + and other marginalised communities, and unite in solidarity, by joining with more than 20,000 people to March with Pride, in celebration and protest. The planned route will start at St. George’ s Hall Plateau at 12pm. The procession will then move through the city centre before making its way to the Pier Head.
Amanda Hilton, Chair of the Board of Directors for LCR Pride Foundation, said:“ Liverpool’ s March with Pride has its foundations in grassroots activism and protest. Right now, here in the UK and globally, the rights of LGBTQ + people are under attack and as such our march is more vital and relevant than ever.
“ Last year 25,000 people marched together to celebrate our beautiful and vibrant LGBTQ + community, but also to protest against the prejudices and inequalities that our communities face. We hope to see even more join us this year, to call for a world where we can all live free, safe, happy and healthy lives.”
While it is free for individuals to march, donations are welcomed and businesses, large charities, commercial and public sector organisations pay a charge to support the safe delivery of the March with Pride.
With the march costing in excess of £ 10,000 to deliver and events being impacted by rising industry supplier costs of around 20-30 %, LCR Pride Foundation is calling on businesses and organisations who are able to support the event through registration charges and sponsorship.
Individuals who are able and wish to support can make a donation to march or can get involved with upcoming fundraising events.
To register to march or find more information, visit: https:// prideinliverpool. co. uk / march /
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