The NSPCC is gearing up to teach even more children on the Isle of Wight how to speak out against abuse.
The charity’s Speak Out. Stay Safe programme relies on specially trained volunteers to visit primary schools to speak to children as young as four about different forms of abuse and who they can speak to about it.
A shortage of local volunteers had previously limited the service’s ability to expand on the island but a successful recruitment drive – supported by local media – has ensured that’s all set to change.
More than 20 people have expressed an interest in supporting the NSPCC’s work and Michelle Barry, who runs the programme on the Isle of Wight, said:
“The response rate is higher than average so we are extremely pleased.
“Candidates will be interviewed in February. Successful applicants will then undergo a two-day training workshop before visiting schools across the island.
“So far, Speak Out. Stay Safe has reached more than 2,600 children and visited 30 out of 57 primary schools here but thanks to a phenomenal number of people coming forward those numbers are set to increase dramatically in the very near future.”
With the help of mascot Buddy, volunteers provide free child-friendly, interactive assemblies for children aged 4-11 plus a 1-hour classroom workshop for children in Years 5 and 6.
By the end of the visit the children will:
- understand abuse in all its forms and recognise the signs of abuse
- know how to protect themselves from all forms of abuse
- know how to get help, and the sources of help available to them, including Childline.
The programme launched in 2011 after research showed the majority of children who contact Childline are over 11 years of age. Many said that the abuse had begun years before they picked up the phone. The aim is to educate a generation of children about abuse in all its forms, including bullying, sexual abuse, neglect and domestic abuse, potentially before abuse starts.
It was originally delivered to 9-11 years olds but since April 2016 volunteers have been speaking to children aged 4+.
Schools also have the option of supporting this essential work by taking part in fun sponsored events following the assembly to help raise funds so this important service can reach even more children.
To find out more about how to volunteer or to arrange for the Speak Out. Stay Safe programme to visit your school, head to www.nspcc.org.uk/schools or email [email protected].
