​Children's charity launches drive for cash to support child exploitation services

Barnardo’s is launching an urgent UK-wide appeal for at least £370,000 of funding to respond to a massive surge in child sexual exploitation cases referred to the charity.

A record 2,118 sexually exploited children were last year supported by its services, almost double the number it supported in 2010.

The charity supports both girls and boys, with some victims as young as 11 years old.

The charity says it has rapidly expanded the number of its specialist child sexual exploitation services as more children are referred to the charity for support.

Last year Barnardo’s began operating in 10 new locations and now provides support in 47 different areas across the UK.

The charity offers more help for sexually exploited children than anyone else.

However, following sexual exploitation cases of the magnitude of Rotherham, Barnardo’s is facing an unprecedented demand for its services.

It is in urgent need of extra funds to help appoint more support workers to deal with the children who desperately need their help.

Every day, more sexually exploited children are referred to us

Barnardo’s chief executive, Javed Khan, said: “Barnardo’s has been working to tackle the devastating impact of child sexual exploitation for two decades. The scale of this abuse is shocking – with more and more incidences of child sexual exploitation coming to light.

“Our experts see how this abuse inflicts devastating damage to vulnerable children. They work tirelessly to help these children pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.

“Every day, more sexually exploited children are referred to us. Girls and boys from all walks of life can become victims of child sexual exploitation and the numbers are growing. Without further funds we simply won’t be able to reach all those who need our help.

“We urgently need people to make a donation so we can give all children who come to our door the support they need.”