Greater Manchester is one of eleven areas across the country that will benefit from a £13m scheme preventing children becoming victims of abuse or getting involved in crime.
The Trusted Relationship fund was launched yesterday by the Home Office and will be directed at vulnerable young people aged 10 to 17 who are at risk of child sexual abuse, criminal exploitation or peer and relationship abuse.
It is awful to think so many children have to tackle life without a strong adult figure they can confide in and that this may leave them vulnerable to predatory criminals and violence as well as exploitation and abuse,’ said the minister for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability, Victoria Atkins.
‘The Government is absolutely determined to help, which is why the Trusted Relationships Fund will support at-risk children through projects across the country.
‘Early intervention is so important to give vulnerable young people the best chance in life and we will make sure that those most at risk will have a positive adult in their lives.’
Other areas being helped include Bradford, Rotherham, Hounslow, Hackney, North Yorkshire, North Somerset, York, Ealing, North East Lincolnshire, and Northampton Borough Council.
Barnado’s executive Javed Khan said: “This new government funding for vital early intervention preventative work will allow us to continue to build on what we have already achieved and, working closely alongside our partners, support more children and young people to escape sexual exploitation.”
