Volunteers are needed to help the NSPCC teach primary school children in Thanet how to keep themselves safe from abuse.
The children’s charity is appealing for people from all walks of life to sign up, visit schools in the area and deliver vital safeguarding messages to children aged 4 to 11 via interactive assemblies known as Speak out Stay safe.
With the help of mascot Buddy, specially trained volunteers educate youngsters in a child-friendly, age-appropriate way about the different signs of abuse, how to protect themselves from it, and the help and support available to them, including Childline.
Following the assembly a one hour workshop is also delivered to pupils in Years 5 and 6.
From September 2017 to July 2018 the service visited 186 schools and spoke to 47,307 children across Kent and Medway. To reach even more children more volunteers are needed.
Sarah Walker, NSPCC Schools Area Co-ordinator for Kent and Medway, said: “Without the support of our volunteers, our Speak out Stay safe service simply couldn’t exist.
“As well as empowering children to speak out about abuse, and giving something back, it’s a great way to meet new people and learn a new skill.
“The NSPCC provides all the training and support you need to carry out the role. If you can offer flexibility, reliability and feel that active and regular volunteering will fit comfortably alongside your other commitments we would love to hear from you.”
Speak Out Say Safe
The service was launched in 2011 after research showed the majority of children who contact the NSPCC’s Childline service are over 11 years of age.
Many said the abuse had begun years before they picked up the phone. The aim is to potentially stop abuse before it starts.
It was originally delivered to 9-11 years olds but since April 2016 the children’s charity has been speaking to children aged four plus.
For more information on how to volunteer for the NSPCC Schools Service, click here. The closing date to apply is Friday 30 November.