News from our partners: Shropshire charity manager awarded MBE for vital work in tackling child exploitation

Sonya Jones, Service Manager and Safeguarding Lead at drug, alcohol and mental health charity, With You Shropshire, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire Medal) for services in tackling child criminal exploitation.

Sonya Jones has been awarded an MBE

Sonya has worked in the drug and alcohol support sector for over 20 years and at With You Shropshire for almost eight years. During that time Sonya has led the charity’s work in providing non-judgemental support to young people exploited by drug dealing gangs.

Sonya and her team have been on the frontline of supporting victims of county lines – the term used for when gangs from cities expand illegal drug networks to other areas of the country using dedicated mobile lines. These gangs often prey on vulnerable young people to transport drugs throughout the UK.

The award of an MBE, announced in the King’s honours list on Sunday 18 June 2023, recognises Sonya’s ongoing commitment to ensure that all young people who are groomed, coerced and controlled into crime are recognised as victims of trafficking and exploitation.

Sonya also advocates the adoption of a new public health approach to drug prevention that works with schools, pupil referral units and providers for those outside of mainstream education. This advocacy work has been recognised by the UK Parliament and the House of Lords.

Sonya Jones, Service Manager and Safeguarding Lead at With You, said:-

“I’m honoured and shocked to receive an MBE for doing the job I love. I accept this award on behalf of my team past and present who have worked tirelessly for the victims of child exploitation, as well as the thousands of children and families who are tragically impacted.

“I have an obligation to continue the work I’m being recognised for and I’m inspired to continue my journey to raise awareness of child exploitation nationally. I’d like to see the role of young people substance misuse services being recognised as part of vital support and call upon the need for a standalone child criminal exploitation national strategy. I’m passionate, as are With You colleagues, about adopting a public health approach.

“With You are at the forefront of this work and have supported me by giving me the platform to be able to raise these issues. I will continue to call for a wider recognition that all young people who are groomed, coerced and controlled by exploiters are recognised as victims of trafficking and exploitation, not criminals.”

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive at With You, said:-

“Sonya is an inspirational leader within With You, driving our vital work with victims of child exploitation for almost eight years. During this time Sonya has supported hundreds of victims throughout the UK, giving them and their families the chance to get their lives back on track. She has also been a tireless advocate for change, positively influencing the UK conversation around child exploitation.

Sonya is determined, modest and inspires other people in the organisation. Speaking on behalf of With You staff, I would like to pass on our congratulations for this honour, and thank Sonya for her continued passion and dedication to the children and their families.”

For more information about With You, including support for anyone affected by child exploitation, visit www.wearewithyou.org.uk