Free training to protect children

Hackney Carriage rank at the back of Dewsbury bus station.
Many taxi drivers are about to petition in favour of moving the location of the taxi rank.
d311a348 — Hackney Carriage rank at the back of Dewsbury bus station. Many taxi drivers are about to petition in favour of moving the location of the taxi rank. d311a348

Hotel and bar workers, taxi drivers, licensees and others who work after dark in North Kirklees can sign up to the Nightwatch programme being carried out by children’s charity Barnardo’s.

The charity thinks that hospitality staff can play a key role in spotting potential signs of abuse and intervene.

Barnardo’s director in Yorkshire Steve Oversby 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 help accident and emergency staff, bouncers 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.”

The training will cover how professionals can reach out to young people if they are concerned they are being exploited and how to report worries the police.

The number of people supported by Barnardo’s specialist child sexual exploitation services increased from 2,100 in 2013-14 to 3,175 in 2014-15.

The Department for Education-funded sessions will run until March 2016. To enlist on the training, email [email protected] and quote ‘RCN’ or call 01293 610689 and ask for Katie Bunting.