A £3.1m plan to improve support for survivors of child sexual abuse has been launched by Rotherham MBC, the Government and Barnardos.

The funding package will be used to improve support for young people in south Yorkshire who have been or who are at risk of being sexually exploited.

The new scheme forms the latest part of Rotherham’s response to the local crisis caused by widespread failures to tackle child sexual exploitation – and the street-level grooming gangs who preyed on the victims – over decades.

Cllr Chris Read, leader of Rotherham MBC, said: ‘We know from Professor Jay’s findings and from what victims and survivors have told us that projects like this can make a real difference, reaching out to young people who may be at risk, building trust and supporting those who may become victims.’

Local government secretary Greg Clark said: ‘Victims of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham have been appallingly let down in the past. These new services, run by Barnardos, will help victims rebuild their lives.’