NSPCC Volunteer Appeal Aims To Address Child Abuse And Neglect
An appeal letter from the NSPCC To Down News
Dear Editor,
“Did you know that in the average UK primary school class, at least two children will have suffered abuse or neglect?
“At NSPCC Northern Ireland, we are doing all that we can to change this, but we need the help of people from the Downpatrick area.
“Child abuse is preventable – not inevitable – and that is why we have been delivering our Speak Out Stay Safe service (SOSS) throughout Northern Ireland for over ten years.
“The SOSS service covers topics such as bullying and abuse,
“Through a virtual assembly and in-person workshop without using any scary words or adult language, SOSS is delivered by trained volunteers.
“Speak Out Stay Safe is designed to help primary school aged children 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.
“They uderstand that they have the right to be safe, and how to get help from safe adults and the NSPCC’s Childline service.
“Last year, we delivered SOSS online programmes to over 45,000 children, in 189 schools, across Northern Ireland.Â
“But to reach all primary school children in Northern Ireland, we need volunteers from the Downpatrick
“These volunteers will visit their local schools and deliver this ground-breaking programme.
“Volunteering for the Service feels like being part of a family and our volunteers get to meet like-minded people and work with them to engage with children to help them understand how to Speak Out and Stay Safe.
“Volunteers will receive full and ongoing training and support from their dedicated co-ordinator.
“And their only commitment is to be able to visit a minimum of two schools every month.
Please visit NSPCC | Volunteers  to see a full description of the role of a volunteer and details of virtual volunteer information meetings.
Or if you would prefer to contact a local representative for information, please email Karen Walker at:
Yours,
Karen Walker,
Schools Service Manager,
NSPCC Northern Ireland.
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