Freedom Youth Groups
A Freedom Youth Group is a place to learn about forced marriage, FGM and Dishonour Abuse, ask the questions adults sometimes miss, and take safe action with other young people.
You do not need to know everything before you begin. You do need an adult lead and a recognised setting such as a school, sixth form or youth organisation.
11–14: Explore & Create
Ask questions. Make posters, art, short films or presentations. Test whether Freedom’s language makes sense. Help your school or youth group understand an issue better.
15–17: Campaign & Lead
Research an issue. Help plan approved campaigns or events. Present. Test resources. Tell Freedom what young people think adults need to hear.
The Freedom Method
Know — learn the facts and check what is law, evidence, guidance or opinion.
Notice — spot warning signs, myths and moments when harm is dismissed or misunderstood.
Respond — if somebody tells you something worrying, listen and pass it to the right adult; do not investigate or contact family members yourself.
Change — turn what you learned into something useful.
Your first four meetings
- Know: pick one issue and check what you think you know against current Freedom material.
- Notice: identify one myth, gap or question people your age often have.
- Respond: practise what you would do if somebody told you something worrying.
- Change: do one useful thing for one audience, then ask whether it actually helped.
If somebody tells you something worrying
Listen. Do not promise to keep abuse secret. Do not investigate or contact family members. Tell your adult lead or use the safeguarding route you have been given. If somebody is in immediate danger, get adult help and call 999 if needed.
You never have to tell a personal story, be photographed or filmed, speak publicly, take part in media, or raise money to prove you care.
Adults supporting a group should read the Adult Lead Guide.