Children under 14 turning to substances - charity

In 2022, 110 young people were referred to Harbour's young person's service Sharp

A campaign is being launched in Devon to highlight that abuse and exploitation of children is happening.

Plymouth charity Harbour said I Am A Child would examine how young people could turn to substances to "numb the pain" they may experience in childhood.

Last year, as many as 110 young people were referred to the group's young person's service, Sharp, 34% of whom were aged 14 or under.

Harbour said it offered "flexible one-to-one support" to people at risk.

The campaign follows four children, Olivia, Mia, Noah and Leo, who experienced abuse and trauma in their childhoods.

It also highlights data by the city council's Plymouth Children In Poverty report, which found there were 11,000 children living in poverty in the city.

Plymouth City Council's child poverty action plan for 2022-25 details plans to "support and improve disadvantaged children's emotional health and wellbeing".

Harbour said it was asking people to "notice the children that are suffering" and said it could "educate and empower the next generation to heal and thrive".

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, you can visit the the BBC Action Line here.