£736,000 boost to help child sex abuse victims

Children’s charity Barnardo’s has been given the Government cash to reach out to hospital staff, security guards and other employees.

The 12-month pilot - called Plain Sight - will be launched in 14 areas across England, including Rotherham.

One full-time worker will be employed here to run classroom-based learning, community outreach work and reporting concerns.

Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan (pictured) said: “Children can be particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation at night.  

“All night-time workers need to be aware of the risks children face when dark falls.

“This funding will enable A&E staff, door supervisors and the wider community to know how to spot the danger signs, keep alert and understand how to get help for children at risk or suffering abuse.

“Barnardo’s works with over 2,000 sexually exploited children across UK and sees first-hand the devastating impact this crime can have on victims.”

The hope is for Plain Sight to create a “network of eyes and ears” looking out for vulnerable children. Findings will be shared with local authorities.

Plain Sight will also be launched in Bradford, Wakefield, Kirklees, Plymouth, Buckinghamshire, Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol, Sussex, London, Birmingham, Leeds and Middlesbrough.