THE NSPCC is seeking more volunteers to prevent child abuse and help keep victims safe in Swindon.

The charity funds its School Service across the county, which sees trained members of staff and volunteers deliver free safeguarding sessions in primary schools across the town.

And to support this project, the NSPCC is looking for dedicated volunteers to teach children in Wiltshire how to recognise and report different types of abuse – including sexual or emotional abuse.

Schools Service area coordinator for Bristol, Swindon and Wiltshire Kevin West said: “Volunteering with the NSPCC’s Schools Service means that you will have the opportunity to empower a generation of young people to speak out and stay safe from abuse.

“The people who currently work within the programme are incredible, they all share a passion to protect children and find the work they do highly rewarding.”

The Speak out, Stay safe assemblies and workshops help children aged five to 11 years old learn in an age-appropriate way about physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as neglect and bullying.

Kevin added: “Volunteers are an integral part of the work we do at the NSPCC and they are invaluable within the Schools Service as they’re the people delivering the Speak out, Stay safe message.

“We are looking for people across the county from Swindon to Salisbury to join our fun and vibrant team.

“I would encourage anyone to get in touch if they’d like to find out more.”

The service’s mascot Buddy is introduced to children in all the different year groups, who are taught how to identify a trusted adult they can speak to if something is worrying them.

In the last academic year alone, the sessions were delivered to 74 primary schools in Wiltshire and 34 in Swindon, reaching more than 20,500 children.

Hilary Morton, who delivers the programme to youngsters in Wiltshire, said: “ I have enjoyed volunteering hugely because the children are always such good fun and I love seeing them get involved with the programme.”

NSPCC research highlights that, on average, two children in every classroom have suffered abuse or neglect, with one in 20 children having been sexually abused.

The safeguarding assemblies start conversations around abuse in a live, interactive and memorable way, and pave the way for teachers to continue these discussions with their students in the classroom.

The charity aims to visit every primary school every three years to deliver its Speak out, Stay safe programme.

Hilary added: “I always come out from delivering an assembly feeling satisfied and with a smile on my face after I think about how well children react to what we teach them.

“Anyone can give it a go, the training is very good and there is a great network of support so you’re never on your own.”

Successful applicants who become volunteers for the Schools Service receive a comprehensive training package, which includes online and face-to-face training, as well as peer mentoring.

More information is available at ww.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/our-services/working-with-schools/

Anyone interested in volunteering can call 0121 2277577 or email volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk