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‘Every childhood is worth fighting for’ Supporting our 9 to 11 year olds Words by Nicola Chapman. Recent child abuse revelations have brought many of us up short – we’ve perhaps believed it is something that happens elsewhere, but recent cases have been closer to home than we’d care to believe. In fact NSPCC research brings it closer still, showing that on average two children in every primary school classroom are suffering from abuse or neglect and the majority of cases go undetected. For over 28 years Childline, run by the NSPCC has been giving children somewhere to turn, but research has identified a gap. Concern about the low number of calls from younger children between 9 and 11 years has led to the development of the Childline Schools Service. Carol Knock explained “9 to 11 years old is a vulnerable and impressionable age, and we know it’s when grooming starts. A child who is feeling isolated or lonely at school can be a particular target.” The Childline schools service trains volunteers to deliver an assembly to year 5 and 6 children, and to return a week later to run an interactive workshop to educate children about abuse. “We explain how children have a right to feel happy and safe, and we explore things that might stop some children feeling like this. We talk about what is and isn’t acceptable and appropriate, and teach them how to protect themselves against abuse and where to get help and support if they need it, how to ‘speak out’ to a trusted adult or to ChildLine. Carol, who lives in Brookside, has been supporting the NSPCC for 6 years, previously as a speaker, ChildLine counsellor and fundraiser, and more recently delivering the ChildLine school service and training other volunteers. She’s one of a team of 24 volunteers going into primary schools across Derbyshire. Carol is also featured in the national campaign poster to promote the service – having been selected by a panel of under 18 years olds as the face of the campaign. Page 42 www.s40local.co.uk
Carol and the team have visited local schools and aim to revisit every two years to make sure they speak to and support all children at a vulnerable age. ‘The School Service has fantastic fully tested resources, interactive material and video footage that we use in class room sessions to ensure young people understand the support that ChildLine can offer. They can even watch the video at home on the website www. childline.org.uk/buddy. I’ve seen it many times and still find it impressive, ” explained Carol. Childline and School Services are expensive to run and are fully funded by donations and charitable support, the Derbyshire fundraising committee would love some more support either from people wanting to join the existing committee or interested in setting up their own committee with people they know and with similar interests. If you’d like to get involved as a fundraiser or a volunteer you can find out more on their website www.nspcc.org.uk If you are concerned about any child there’s also a line for adults to report concerns for any children in the community the number is - 0808 800 500.