THOUSANDS of Ealing children are already part of the NSPCC’s Speak Out. Stay Safe programme but the charity needs your help.

The safeguarding service that uses specially-trained volunteers to talk to primary school children about abuse has already reached more than 10,600 youngsters.

In order to continue to expand on the number of primary schools visited across the borough the charity is looking to recruit more volunteers.

With the help of mascot Buddy, the programme provides child-friendly, interactive assemblies for children aged 4-11 plus a one hour classroom workshop for children in years five and six.

Offered to schools at no cost, the service is designed to help children understand abuse in all its forms and recognise the signs of abuse, know how to protect themselves from all forms of abuse and know how to get help, and the sources of help available to them, including ChildLine.

A Speak Out. Stay Safe programme volunteer would need to be available to make two school visits a month, take part in an e-learning training module and attend a two-day training workshop.

The programme was launched in 2011 after research showed the majority of children who contact ChildLine are over 11 years of age.

Many said that the abuse had begun years before they picked up the phone.

The aim is to reach children potentially before abuse starts.

Gabriella Russo, who runs the programme in Ealing, said: “The programme relies on dedicated volunteers to deliver the assemblies and workshops and we’re always on the lookout for people who can help.

“If you believe in the empowerment and protection of all children and have the confidence to speak in front of a group of primary school children, then this is your chance to equip a generation of children with the knowledge and understanding they need to stay safe from abuse and neglect.”

Applications for the volunteer role in Ealing close on Friday 5 August 5.

To apply visit http://bit.ly/29DiXDH

To arrange for the Speak Out. Stay Safe programme to visit your school, contact Gabriella Russo, Ealing area coordinator, at gabriella.russo@NSPCC.org.uk

Featured image courtesy of Natasha Hanover via flickr