A pioneering early‑intervention initiative supporting young people who go missing – Operation Satin – has won a Special Recognition Award for exceptional work in tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
The award was presented by MP Jess Phillips on Tuesday (January 27) at the annual recognition event held in London by the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP).
Developed in response to a rise in first‑time missing episodes, Operation Satin fills a critical gap in safeguarding. By engaging young people at the earliest opportunity, before patterns of repeat disappearance or exploitation can take hold, the initiative reduces vulnerability and prevents harm from escalating.
Delivered jointly by the Office of Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) and Northamptonshire Police, the programme provides trauma‑informed, needs‑led support from specialist early intervention practitioners.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma James said:
“We are delighted that Operation Satin has received this award. The work the early intervention workers do alongside our police team is invaluable. This joint collaboration has undoubtedly made an enormous difference in keeping young people safe in Northamptonshire and the team rightly deserves national recognition for this transformative work.”
When a young person returns home after a missing episode, practitioners visit them to understand the reasons behind each incident and help prevent it from happening again. Support includes emotional regulation, mental health guidance, healthy relationships advice, online safety, and help with risky behaviour. Families and carers are also offered tailored support to strengthen relationships and address the underlying challenges contributing to missing episodes.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said:
“Operation Satin is transforming how we safeguard vulnerable young people in Northamptonshire. By intervening early, with skilled and compassionate practitioners, we are preventing harm before it escalates and reducing the risks associated with going missing.
“I am incredibly proud of the team and delighted that their dedication has been recognised nationally.”
Operation Satin not only alleviates demand on policing but also transforms outcomes for some of the most vulnerable children in the county. It is now recognised as a benchmark for national best practice and a powerful example of what can be achieved when empathy, innovation and evidence‑based practice come together to protect those most at risk.
