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Uncertainty for youth over Kids Company
Youth charity Kids Company, which helps hundreds of vulnerable children in Bristol, is to close its doors.
The charity, based in London, Liverpool and Bristol, is said to be closing in the midst of a financial mismanagement scandal.
The charity, which runs out of six centres in Bristol, is also being investigated by Scotland Yard’s child abuse, sex offences and exploitation unit.
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The charity has yet to officially announce its closure, but it is understood that local authorities are already preparing alternative support for children involved.
Bristol City Council said it was preparing a statement clarifying the situation in the event of closure, due to be released later today.
Kids Company was given a £3 million grant from Government after its high-profile CEO Camilla Batmanghelidjh agreed to step down.
But part of the money was allegedly spent on paying staff. Ministers are now said to making plans to recover the grant.
Kids Company refused to comment on Tuesday night over its possible closure, saying speculation was “dangerous and irresponsible”. On Wednesday the charity criticised the “media frenzy” over closure rumours.
Kids Company provides educational, emotional and social support to vulnerable young people from the age of seven up
It operates out of six centres in some of the most deprived parts of Bristol, including in Hartcliffe, Lawrence Weston, Brentry and Redcliffe.
It has a drop-in centre at the The Island on Nelson Street where it also runs the Bristol Urban Academy, providing extra educational provision for people aged between 15-23.
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