A centre dedicated to helping children and young people who have suffered sexual abuse and exploitation in Luton has opened its doors.
The NSPCC held a formal opening ceremony at the centre at The Spires, on Adelaide Street, with charity campaigner Esther Rantzen helping cut the ribbon.
NSPCC Chief Executive Peter Wanless said the centre: “Was critically important given the demand that we are seeing for these sorts of services..”
He added: “Luton is one of the areas where we have found the partnership and support to confront these sorts of issues. We wish we could provide them everywhere.”
Among the services offered are a range of support to young people aged 11-19 who are at risk of sexual exploitation – or are being exploited, and helping children aged four to 17 years who have experienced sexual abuse to come to terms with their experiences and embrace their future along with teaching them how to keep themselves safe
If you are concerned about a child call the NSPCC helpline free on 0808 800 5000 or ChildLine on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org