Funds will help service protecting vulnerable girls from sex trade (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Funds will help service protecting vulnerable girls from sex trade

2:41pm Saturday 4th September 2010 in

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A Wizard of Oz-themed charity ball will raise funds for a Bradford support service for girls and young women at risk of being drawn into the sex trade.

The Barnardo’s service, now called Turnaround, was set up 15 years ago in Bradford. Its success led to the creation of a national network of services.

The charity works with women up to the age of 21, building self-esteem, skills, resilience and awareness of the risks of sexual exploitation.

It offers one-to-one advice, group sessions, work in schools and also works alongside parents, friends and agencies.

Turnaround receives three or four referrals a week and is currently dealing with about 60 cases.

Firecracker Ball committee chairman Phil Taylor said: “It is imperative that we raise as much support and funds as possible.”

Kay Kelly, Barnardo’s service manager at Turnaround, said: “Our project workers actively seek out young people, offering them the long-term support they need to change their way of life."

The Firecracker Ball has raised more than £866,000 for Barnardo’s since 2002.

This year’s event will be on Saturday, November 13, at Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate. For tickets or sponsorship information, call Kirsty Guy on (01748) 821295, e-mail kirsty.guy@barnardos.org.uk or visit thefirecrackerball.org.

e-mail: tanya.orourke@telegraphandargus.co.uk