NSPCC wants more children in Derbyshire to spot signs of abuse
School pupils across Derby and South Derbyshire are being taught how to feel confident in speaking out about their worries
The UK's leading children's charity wants all children across Derby and South Derbyshire to feel confident in speaking out about their worries.
Through the "Speak out, Stay Safe programme" - the NSPCC want to help children recognise abuse. They also want them to know how to get help from trusted adults.
Speak Out Stay Safe is designed to help children aged 5 to 11 understand how to recognise abuse in all its forms. Using age-appropriate language, it helps them understand that abuse is never a child’s fault, that they have the right to be safe, and how to get help from trusted adults or the NSPCC’s Childline service
Last year, the NSPCC delivered SOSS online programmes to over 21,000 children in more than 120 schools in Derbyshire, and is looking for volunteers to train to deliver sessions in person.
Through assemblies and workshops delivered by volunteers with the help of mascot Buddy, children learn about the different types of abuse and what to do if they're ever worried about themselves or a friend.
Rosie Murden, the NSPCC Schools Coordinator for Derby, said: “We need new volunteers in Derby to help us protect the next generation of children from abuse and neglect.
“Volunteering for the NSPCC Schools Service feels like being part of a family. Our volunteers get to meet like-minded people and together we deliver workshops that help children understand how to Speak Out and Stay Safe.”
Sharon Hudson, an NSPCC’s schools service volunteer from Derbyshire, has been with the charity for nine years and encourages anyone with spare time to find out more about Speak Out Stay Safe.
Sharon said: “The NSPCC Schools Service plays a hugely important role in teaching children about the importance of speaking out about their worries and concerns while keeping them safe from abuse.