THE NSPCC is appealing for volunteers to visit Barnsley schools and help encourage children to speak out about neglect.
Neglect and how to spot its signs are a key part of the NSPCC’s Speak Out Stay Safe assemblies being held across Barnsley.
They echo the ongoing Neglect Matters campaign in Barnsley being run by the children’s charity and Barnsley Safeguarding Children Board.
Neglect creates lasting damage and has long term consequences for the young people and families involved. The Barnsley Neglect Matters campaign underlines the importance of recognising the impact neglect can have on babies right through to adolescents.
Last year in Barnsley NSPCC volunteers spoke to 2,107 children and visited nine primary schools as part of its Schools Service programme, teaching children how to keep themselves safe from abuse and neglect.
For each of the primary schools volunteers present two slightly different assemblies - one for the younger children and another for the older pupils. The aim is to help children understand about different types of abuse and neglect so that they can get help if or when they need it.
The assembly helps children to identify a trusted adult they can speak to if they are ever worried about themselves or a friend along with information about Childline.
The NSPCC is looking for volunteers to commit to just a few hours each month and join the school service programme, to deliver even more assemblies and workshops to primary school children in Barnsley to give them the tools they need to stay safe from abuse and neglect.
Liz Kirwan, Barnsley area co-ordinator for the NSPCC Schools Service, said: “Neglect can leave already vulnerable children open to other forms of abuse and exploitation and can lead on to other issues as the child moves into their teenage years. That is why our assemblies are so vital and can help children realise that they can speak out and they can be helped before matters escalate for them.
“Volunteers can make a massive difference to children’s lives, the support they offer children, schools and each other is invaluable. If you feel you can help us help make children safe from abuse and neglect in Barnsley then please do contact us.”
Lisa Tabbner, Summerfields Academy’s head teacher said: “These are such a great resource and free for schools which complement our existing safeguarding work at the Academy.
“The children love Buddy the Mascot and feel really engaged with the age appropriate messages.”
Contact elizabeth.kirwan@nspcc.org.uk for more details about volunteering
