The children's charity, Barnardo's, are launching an urgent appeal for £500,000 in public donations, due to the horrendous rise in sexually exploited children, who are being supported by the charity.
In the last five years, the charity has seen a 169% increase across the UK in the number of young victims and those at risk using their expert services. Barnardo’s has opened 11 new services in the last 12 months. During 2014-15 the charity worked with 3,200 vulnerable children compared to 1,190 in 2010. Bernardo's will also be marking its 150th anniversary in 2016.
Javed Khan, Barnardo's chief executive said, “We urgently need more funds to give sexually exploited children the vital support they need. Every penny the public gives will help us make a difference to a young person’s life. High profile child sexual exploitation cases across the UK have raised people’s awareness about sexual exploitation and what it is. This has led to better identification of victims and those at risk but everywhere we go we find more young people needing our services.
He added, “We all need to be aware any child can become a victim of this horrific form of abuse, regardless of where they live or their background. Barnardo’s will always strive to help protect these vulnerable children.”
To find out more, visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/urgent
