As the new term starts, NSPCC Northern Ireland is looking to reach even more children following record figures in the last academic year when 63,920 children across Northern Ireland attended special Speak Out Stay Safe assemblies.
These groundbreaking assemblies teach primary school children how to keep themselves safe from abuse and neglect.
NSPCC staff and volunteers use resources specially devised for children aged five to eight years and a different set of resources for older children, up to age eleven. Linking directly to the curriculum, and with the help of “Buddy” the mascot, Speak Out Stay Safe helps children to:
- Understand abuse in all its forms and recognise the signs that it’s happening
- Learn how to protect themselves from all forms of abuse
- Recognise both how to get help and the sources of help available to them, including Childline
Karen Walker, Schools Manager of Northern Ireland Schools Service , said: “It’s so important for children to have a voice, to know who to speak to, and that they shouldn’t stop speaking out until action is taken. As the new term starts we’re looking forward to reaching even more children in schools across the area, but we can’t do that without the help of volunteers.”
The service aims to visit every primary school in the UK every three years and in the last academic year, in Northern Ireland 342 primary schools were visited.
Karen added: “Without the support of our volunteers, our programme simply couldn’t exist. We are always looking for committed volunteers to join our team.
“It’s a great way to meet new people and learn a new skill, while giving something back. The NSPCC give you all the training and support you need to feel confident in your role.
“We ask for a minimum commitment of three morning or afternoon visits a month, so you can give as much or as little time as you like.”
For further information please visit https://www.nspcc.org.uk/services-and-resources/working-with-schools/speak-out-stay-safe-service/and click the ‘Become a Volunteer’ button.
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Christine King at Christine.king@:nspcc.org.uk or 0775 3638256
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