The NSPCC has put a call out for volunteers to help share its 'Speak Out Stay Safe (SOSS') programme in schools.

The charity is looking for people in Burnley, Blackburn with Darwen, Nelson, Colne and Chorley, to help with the project which is designed to support children aged five 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 safe adults and the NSPCC’s Childline service. 
 
Last year, the NSPCC delivered SOSS online programmes to over 20,000 children in more than 80 schools in Leicestershire.  The charity is now looking for volunteers to train to deliver sessions in person this new school year.  

Through the programme’s assemblies and workshops, which are delivered by volunteers with the help of mascot Buddy, children learn about the different types of abuse and what to do if they are ever worried about themselves or a friend.  

Lindsay Henretty, who lives in Cheshire, has been part of the NSPCC School Service team for eight years and gets a lot of satisfaction from the role.

She said: “It’s a great way to volunteer and make a difference. You get to meet a wide range of people and work as part of a team.

“The real joy is visiting and delivering the Speak Out Stay Safe message in schools.

“The interaction with children face-to-face is a privilege. It is so important we get the safeguarding message out to all children, so they have that vital information should they ever need it.

“The experience with the School Service is flexible, fun and definitely worthwhile.”

Rebecca Stretton NSPCC School Service Coordinator for Cheshire and Halton said: “I’m so proud of Lindsay and the team. They all have an amazing attitude and dedication to delivering this important safeguarding information to children at primary schools.”