Volunteers needed to help children report abuse

A charity is looking for volunteers to help deliver its work aimed at helping children identify and report abuse.

The NSPCC is appealing for people to consider volunteering for its schools service which runs "speak out, stay safe" workshops in primary schools in Cornwall, Devon, Guernsey and Jersey.

The charity said its events had reached almost 155,000 children at 708 schools across south-west England and the Channel Islands in the past year.

Michelle Green, NSPCC schools service manager, said: "By joining the schools service, volunteers help create safer environments for young people, support early intervention, and play a direct role in protecting children's futures."

The NSPCC said its school sessions were delivered to pupils aged six to seven and nine to 11 to help them "recognise the signs of abuse, identify a trusted adult and speak out when they feel something isn't right".

It said volunteers did not need any teaching experience as full training and ongoing guidance were provided.

Green said: "The schools service delivers safeguarding assemblies and workshops in primary schools, giving children the knowledge and confidence to speak out if something is worrying them.

"These sessions reach thousands of pupils each year, but demand continues to grow. Additional volunteers are essential to ensure that every child has access to this important support."

The NSPCC said it needed volunteers across the south west but was particularly keen to recruit new people in Somerset and North Devon.

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