CHARITY bosses at the NSPCC are calling on Worcestershire residents to help keep children safe by teaching primary school pupils how to recognise signs of abuse and the importance of speaking to trusted adults about their worries.
Its schools service runs a programme in primary schools called Speak out Stay safe that includes face-to-face workshops in which children are taught to understand that they have a right to feel safe, and that they can speak to a trusted adult or Childline if they ever need help or support.
However, due to a shortage of volunteers, the charity is struggling to provide face-to-face workshops in all areas.
Anne Maher, a retired primary school headteacher from the West Midlands, is one of the NSPCC’s schools service volunteers in Worcestershire and has been a volunteer for the past seven years.
“The NSPCC schools service volunteer training is very thorough but also enjoyable. And working with other volunteers has meant that I have always felt supported, and I have met wonderful people from all walks of like through this role,” she said.
As a volunteer, people will receive training and support while also gaining the chance to be part of a friendly team and experience of speaking in public.
Kelly Yardley, NSPCC Schools Co-ordinator for the region, said: “We would love to be able to offer all schools the face-to-face workshops so that local children can fully interact and benefit from the experience that Speak out Stay safe can provide and to ultimately protect their childhoods.
“But we need more volunteers to do this.”
Visit www.nspcc.org.uk for more.
