A COUNCIL project that uses stories of exploited children to advise safeguarding professionals has won another award.

Bradford Council's Real Safeguarding Stories includes a website and YouTube channel that features video resources for safeguarding professionals, learners and the wider public.

Last week Real Safeguarding Stories picked up the Public/Private Partnerships award at the prestigious Local Government Chronicle Awards.

The project puts survivors’ stories at the heart of how abuse is tackled in society, featuring real stories from domestic abuse to child sexual exploitation to vulnerable adults.

Real Safeguarding Stories is a joint partnership between Collingwood Learning and the Council and the films are now used in many sectors from universities, the NHS and police training through to many councils and communities across the UK and abroad.

Judges said the project helped "transform the thinking of professionals."

Leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said: “This award is great recognition for the important work that our safeguarding team does. We feel proud that the work of this team has repeatedly been recognised as leading the way.”

Christopher Farquhar, talent and councillor development manager for Bradford Council said: “We would like to thank the many contributors from across the council and partners for their expertise, insights and creativity. We are also very grateful to all the survivors who have shared their stories. We truly recognise your courage and insights. Your stories are having a major impact both in the district and much further afield.”

Bradford Council’s current cohort of Future Leaders are working on creating a sustainable future for Real Safeguarding Stories and have already secured funding from the West Yorkshire Police Commissioners Fund to translate films in to other languages and develop a social media strategy.

The LGC Awards, held at Grosvenor House London, had over 500 entries, with 167 finalists, and 20 awards.

The judges said of Bradford Council's winning entry: “This project demonstrated an innovative use of people's stories to transform the thinking of professionals in the public and private sectors both locally and nationally. It is cost effective and everyone should learn from it.”

Nick Golding, LGC’s editor, said: “Councils shortlisted for an LGC Award have proved themselves to be among the nation’s most innovative.

“At a time when communities nationwide are reeling from uncertainty and continuing austerity, we need to celebrate the local leaders – both council officers and councillors – without whose inspiring work our cherished local services would be even further diminished.

“All too often the depth of talent in local government is not sufficiently appreciated but the LGC Awards are unashamedly about celebrating those doing most to provide the services our communities require.”

More information can be found on the Real Safeguarding Stories website: realsafeguardingstories.com