BRADFORD Barnardo’s worker Kevin Robinson has received an top honour for his work with young people helping them protect themselves or to recover from abuse child sexual exploitation. The 36-year-old got the HelpingHands award by the NWG Network – a national body that links professionals withinvolved in creating the best response for children and young people and their families who have been subjected to child sexual exploitation. Mr Robinson, who is part of the Turnaround Service, is pictured being presented with the award by Sheila Taylor MBE, Chief Executive of the NWG Network.

The nomination for his one-to-one work described Kevin’s “fantastic rapport with young people” as well as commenting on his excellent working relationship with West Yorkshire police CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation) team, which has led to many perpetrators being brought to justice.

He also delivers CSE training to West Yorkshire police and has presented dozens of assemblies and parents’ evenings throughout the area to highlight the issue of CSE and how to keep safe online. He also runs forums with hoteliers, telling them what to look out for in terms of CSE and who to report any suspicious activity to.

He said: “It feels great to get this recognition, but as far as I’m concerned I’m just someone doing a job although I’m very happy to have been given this of course!”