ORGANISATIONS working with young people in Bradford are being invited to sign up to a safeguarding charter aiming to tackle abuse across the district.

The project is being piloted by Strengthening Faith Institutions (SFI) and is aimed at out-of-school settings, places of worship and youth clubs.

It also comes amid the cost of living crisis, with some Bradford faith leaders arguing that growing economic hardship can increase the likelihood of young people being exploited and abused.

"The safeguarding charter will provide organisations with opportunities to reflect on and strengthen their approach to safeguarding,” said Dr Javed Bashir, from Keighley, who is a safeguarding consultant at SFI.

“We are keen to protect vulnerable children and young people from all forms of abuse and develop a plan for promoting their welfare, which might also have been impacted by the cost of living crisis."

By signing up to the charter, organisations in Bradford will receive training from SFI and will be able to display the charter publicly, as a visible statement of their intent to tackle abuse in all its forms.

“Our ultimate aim is that all faith centres and out-of-school settings in the district are accredited safer centres where parents can send their children with confidence,” Dr Bashir added.

Reverend Nathan Javed, of Bradford-based GBM Churches, praised the project and said that it is particularly important amid the current climate.

“Due to the cost of living crisis, children and young people are at an increased risk of becoming the victims of abuse, whether that is criminal or sexual,” he said.

“More than four million children are now living in poverty in the UK. There is a strong connection between poverty and child abuse, sexual exploitation and neglect.

“The greater the economic hardship, the higher the likelihood and severity of safeguarding concerns.

“That is why this is a great initiative and one which should be welcomed.”

Imtiaz Mussa, of Masjid Raashideen in Manningham, added that local organisations who work with young people must be the “eyes and ears” of the community when it comes to abuse.

“We can play a vital role in the lives of children and young people by keeping them safe,” he said.

“We have a moral and legal duty to respond effectively and compassionately when someone comes forward to share concerns and to report it to appropriate agencies”.

For more information, people are asked to contact Dr Javed Bashir on javed@sfitogether.org