“It’s like two different Ryans.”
Ryan
I’m grateful that I learnt.
Ryan 14, was referred to Safer London by his school after making a sexual gesture toward a female student. This followed a three-year pattern of harmful sexual behaviour (HSB), including sexually aggressive comments and harassment toward peers.
The referral highlighted Ryan’s vulnerabilities including increasing isolation, an unstable home life - including fleeing domestic violence - and missed CAMHS appointments.
At Safer London, we started where we always do - by focusing on building trust.
Ryan’s caseworker, Rob, used games and ice-breakers to create a safe space. He explained the service in a non-judgemental way and worked at Ryan’s pace, reassuring him that he could pause or stop at any time.
Weekly sessions over five months explored healthy versus unhealthy relationships, identity, respect and consent. Ryan engaged well, especially with scenario-based discussions and interactive tools, gradually becoming more reflective.
As trust grew, Rob introduced conversations about the law and the impact of sexual harassment. One session used a railway station poster listing inappropriate behaviours. Ryan explored each example, identified their meaning and reflected on how they might affect others.
He imagined a fictional character, Samantha, and described how she might feel - highlighted emotions like fear and embarrassment. He then considered how he’d feel if those behaviours were directed at him, recognising their harm and reflecting on his own actions.
Ryan's teacher
It’s like two different Ryans
Through their time together, Rob noticed Ryan’s growing maturity and understanding of respectful relationships. Ryan was able to explore his sexuality safely and showed clear awareness of consent and boundaries in his relationship with his boyfriend.
Rob also worked with Ryan’s mum and school to monitor progress and address concerns. He advocated for rescheduled CAMHS appointments and helped develop an online safety plan that prioritised support over surveillance.
Ryan’s behaviour stabilised, with no further incidents. School staff reported significant improvement, with one teacher saying: “It’s like two different Ryans.” At closure, the AIM3 assessment showed a reduction from ‘significant concern’ to ‘some concern’ - a significant improvement.
Rob ended the intervention with a celebration session, recognising Ryan’s growth. Ryan shared “I’m grateful that I learnt.”
How we helped Ryan
Trauma-informed Caseworker
Every young Londoner is allocated a single trauma-informed caseworker, who works alongside them from 6 to 12 months (with support extending up to two years if required). Ryan was allocated an expert caseworker based on his unique needs and circumstances. His caseworker specialised in working with young Londoners who've engaged in harmful sexual behaviours, working with him a way that was non-judgemental and strengths based.
Person Centred Support
The support is built around the young Londoner and their needs. The session plans, session content and overall outcomes are influenced by the young Londoner, with their voice being central to what the support looks like.
If you’re a young Londoner or parent whose worked with Safer London, and share us your story via email to inspire others. Make sure you let us know the name of your caseworker when you get in touch.