NSPCC launches appeal to help prevent child abuse

NSPCC launches appeal in Rochdale to help prevent child abuse

The NSPCC has launched an ambitious appeal across Greater Manchester to fund its pioneering ChildLine Schools Service in all primary schools across the region.

The £1 million appeal will put ChildLine in all schools across Rochdale and the whole of Greater Manchester by 2017, and every two years thereafter, helping nine to 11 year olds to understand abuse, give them the confidence to talk about it and the knowledge of where to find help if they ever need it.

The charity is calling on local people to get involved with fundraising activities and support local children through this appeal.

Psychologist, former NBA basketball star and NSPCC Ambassador, John Amaechi joined Esther Rantzen ChildLine founder in Manchester to launch the Appeal. He commented: “'I’m delighted to give my support to the ChildLine Schools Service Appeal in Greater Manchester, as I believe all children have the right to be happy and safe, and this service has a very important role to play in educating children about how to do just that. It is a really powerful intervention that really could help us prevent child abuse.”

The service is provided free of charge and focuses on primary school children, aged nine to 11 years old. It is led by volunteers who deliver assemblies at local schools followed by an interactive workshop a week later. The presentations and messages delivered at schools have been developed alongside children, parents, carers and teachers. They are sensitive, age appropriate and engaging.

The service has already visited over 2,264 children in 30 primary schools in Rochdale and has proved incredibly popular with parents, teachers and children. After a Schools Service visit, 98 per cent of pupils understood that they had the right to feel safe, and 98 per cent said if they had a problem they now knew it was best to talk to a trusted adult. Through the appeal, by 2017 the service hopes to reach all 70,000 children in 980 schools across Greater Manchester.

Louise Stimson, NSPCC head of community fundraising in Greater Manchester, said: “Imagine a generation of children who have the knowledge to prevent abuse - we believe it's possible. With your support, we can make it happen, one primary school at a time.The ChildLine Schools Service will give children the knowledge to prevent abuse from happening and we really hope that everyone across Rochdale will get behind the appeal to help fund the vital work in this area.”

Louise, continued; “There are so many ways that people can get involved, and whether you’re an individual, part of a group or a local business, we would love to hear from you. We can give you plenty of support with any fundraising and provide you with all the materials you need to get started so please get involved and help us to protect a generation of local children.”