South Yorkshire child sex abuse support groups get funding boost

The Home Office is providing £413,000 of funding to South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings to distribute among different organisations in the county. The money is South Yorkshire’s share of a £4.85m national fund.

Dr Billings recently ordered a full-scale inspection of the county’s force amid accusations it failed to listen to victims of child sex exploitation in Sheffield.

South Yorkshire’s share of the money will be shared out between six local organisations after funding was sought for nine different projects by his office.

The Children, Young People and Families Consortium in Rotherham were successful in securing the largest single grant of £262,338 for their project to support victims and survivors of sexual abuse.

The funding will provide counselling services, one-to-one support, education and training, drop-in sessions, family therapy and outreach sessions.

Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre received almost £70,000. This will cover running costs due to the recent increase in demand and help improve the help and support of survivors.

Other organisations receiving funding from the Home Office grant are The Cyrenians Limited, who provide counselling and mental health support services in Doncaster.