NSPCC launch virtual assembly with guest hosts Ant & Dec
Since school has re-started, one of our partner charities, NSPCC Cymru, has seen an increase in referrals to its helpline resulting from adults worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child in Wales. So, to make sure children know what to do and who to speak to if something is worrying or upsetting them, the children’s charity has teamed up with Ant & Dec to help get the message across that there is always someone available to listen to them and to help.
The celebrity duo is hosting a new virtual version of the NSPCC’s Speak Out. Stay Safe assembly, which – before lockdown – the charity had delivered to almost 50,000 primary school children across Wales during the last academic year.
NSPCC experts reported that the risk of abuse and neglect increased during lockdown and the charity today releases new data which shows that since children have gone back to school in September, the NSPCC helpline has made 188 referrals – more than six a day – to agencies in Wales from contacts it has received from adults worried about the wellbeing of a child.
This is an almost 70% increase when compared to the pre-lockdown 30-day average of 111 referrals to agencies in Wales, including police and local authorities.
Each month since the national lockdown, which left many children trapped indoors with their abusers for months on end, the number of referrals has been significantly higher than the 30-day average preceding the lockdown.
The main issues the helpline heard about were parental behaviour, physical and emotional abuse and neglect, which is why it is vital that children know what to do and who to speak to if something is happening in their life which is making them feel scared or anxious.
Before the pandemic the NSPCC delivered its assembly face-to-face in more than 90% of all primary schools across the UK, and in 2019/20 the charity visited more than 270 schools across Wales, and delivered workshops to almost 50,000 children before lockdown was imposed.
At this current time, NSPCC school volunteers can no longer deliver the assembly in person, so instead, for now, the organisation has made a 30-minute online Speak Out. Stay Safe assembly available to all primary schools in the UK.
In an accessible and age appropriate way, the assembly helps children understand how to recognise different forms of abuse, and how to speak out if they need to.
The NSPCC is also offering supporting teaching materials with plenty of engaging activities which can be found on Twinkl. The assembly and resources are also available bilingually and in British Sign Language (BSL).
As well as this, it also focuses on some of the additional worries that children are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hosts Ant & Dec, who’ve been supporting the NSPCC for many years, said:
Ant said: “We’re thrilled to be involved with the online version of the NSPCC’s Speak Out. Stay Safe assembly and we’ve had great fun filming with Buddy, the NSPCC mascot.
“We know that the lockdown will have been a difficult time for some children and others may be struggling with being back at school.”
Dec added: “This is why the NSPCC’s Speak Out. Stay Safe assembly is so important as it reminds children that no matter what may be worrying them, there is always someone who can help.
“It is a real privilege to be supporting the NSPCC with this online assembly and we want all children to remember that difficult times never have to be dealt with alone.”
In all Speak Out. Stay Safe assemblies, children are taught to speak out if they are worried, either to a trusted adult or Childline.
Karen Squillino, Head of School Service, said: “Children have been stuck indoors for many months and at the NSPCC we know for some children home isn’t always a safe place. Many during lockdown will have faced heightened risks.
“As the pandemic continues we all need to be there to support children, and by equipping them with the knowledge and understanding they need to speak out is one vital way we can help ensure their safety.
“I encourage all primary schools to sign up, so that we can help as many children as possible to recognise and report any worries they have.”
Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.
Children can call Childline on 0800 11 11 from 7.30am to midnight from Monday to Friday or 9am to midnight on weekends. Or they can get in touch via www.childline.org.uk
It’s great to hear that Welsh rugby legend – and two-times British and Irish Lions captain – Sam Warburton, will be helping one of our key partner charities, NSPCC Cymru, by judging photographs of the nation’s beloved pooches at their virtual dog show, being launched today, Monday 19 October, by the children’s charity’s fundraising volunteers.
Dog lovers are encouraged to enter snaps and video clips of their dogs into the competition in an effort to win the coveted title of ‘Best in Show’, which will be selected by the Welsh former international rugby union player.
There are eight categories for four-legged friends across the nation to top, ranging from best rescue dog to waggiest tail, and it will be Sam who has the difficult decision of choosing a winner for each, which will be announced at the end of November.
It is £4 to submit an entry per category, which is the amount it costs to fund a child or young person’s call to Childline, which has two bases located in Wales, in Prestatyn and Cardiff, from which volunteer counsellors provide support.
During the lockdown and throughout the pandemic Childline has provided a vital lifeline for children and young people across the country. During 1 April – 30 September Childline delivered 1,363 counselling sessions to children and young people in Wales about mental and emotional health. It remains the top concern for children and young people contacting the service.
The easing of lockdown increased anxiety for some young people, worried about catching Covid-19, being behind with schoolwork, friendship issues, and pre-existing mental health problem re-surfacing as they returned to school.
Sam says: “Everyone who donates £4 to enter a photograph or video into the competition will be funding a child or young person’s call to Childline – that’s pretty amazing, because it continues to be a lifeline for children and young people in these uncertain times.
“If there is the right support in place to help children cope and recover then these experiences will not define a child’s life forever, and that’s why the NSPCC’s Still Here Frontline campaign is so vital in making sure that the charity can still be here for every child.
“Those that know me well will know that I’m a huge fan of dogs, and as a dog owner myself I think this is a really fun way to help raise money for the NSPCC.
“I am looking forward to seeing how creative people are with their entries – I don’t think it’s going to be straightforward picking out the winners.”
The competition has been organised by the volunteers of the St Hilary District of the NSPCC’s fundraising branch in Cardiff. It launches today (Monday 19 October) and will run for three weeks, with the competition closing on Sunday 8 November.
The photo categories are for dirtiest dog, best puppy, best veteran (over nine years old), funniest dog, best rescue dog, and dog we have loved – as a tribute to treasured dogs that owners have had to say goodbye to. In addition are two video categories for waggiest tail and cleverest dog.
“It’s been very difficult during these last six months to come up with fundraising ideas which comply with current regulations,” says Hilary Drew, Chair of the St Hilary NSPCC District.
“When the idea of a virtual dog show was shared I, along with my committee, thought it was just perfect.
“So many of us are dog lovers, and to include at this time, our beloved pets in raising much needed funds, to help support the children of wales, we thought what could be better?”
The winners of each category will win a £25 voucher, with a rosette and cup to be presented to ‘Best in Show’.
Hilary added: “I want to say a huge thank you to Sam for his continued support of the NSPCC in Wales, as his involvement in this competition is definitely the added boost we need.
“In addition to Sam, three local businesses have agreed to sponsor different categories and my thanks goes to Bespoke Classics, HDCS I.T Consultancy and the Bush Inn at St Hilary for their support.
“I am hoping supporters of the NSPCC will embrace this competition and enjoy, as much as we will, in putting their pet entrants forward. Let the fun commence!”
The NSPCC relies on public donations for 90% of its income, which is why fundraising is so crucial.
To enter, donate and access the terms and conditions of the competition, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/sthilaryvirtualdogshow or alternatively entries should be sent to sthilaryvirtualdogshow@nspcc.org.uk. Entries should be titled and include a name of the dog and photographer, age (if under 18 years old), and category. People can only enter one picture per class.
Anyone with any concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk for advice.
Children can call Childline on 0800 11 11 from 7.30am to midnight from Monday to Friday or 9am to midnight on weekends. Or they can get in touch via www.childline.org.uk.
One of our charities, NSPCC Cymru, is making an urgent appeal for Childline volunteers after active volunteer numbers fell dramatically during the COVID-19 crisis.
Its Childline bases in Cardiff and Prestatyn are among 12 UK-wide that are continuing to provide support to children and young people when they need it most. The service has been inundated with contacts from children and young people, with many worried about what Coronavirus means for them.
Volunteer Emma Brookes, 38, has been carrying out additional shifts during lockdown to help bridge the shortfall in volunteers.
“Many of our volunteers have been shielding and, understandably, are unable to come into our Childline bases,” she says.
“Volunteering has changed slightly during lockdown – the contacts from young people have had a lot more to do with COVID19 and mental health concerns.
“Young people are struggling with the lack of face-to-face support and being stuck in the house.”
Children and young people can contact the charity’s counselling service 365 days a year, where specially trained counsellors volunteer their time to listen to their concerns and support them with their worries. Mental health, abuse, family and relationship problems, and bullying are all common concerns, but the reality is when a contact comes in counsellors are ready to talk to a young person about anything.
Mother-of-four, Emma, started volunteering for Childline in April 2019 after a friend recommended she sign up, and she hasn’t looked back.
“My ultimate goal is to work with children and families in some capacity and so I thought listening and supporting young people was a good place to start, but mainly I wanted to be able to offer young people going through a difficult time a space to be heard.
“My first shift, I was so nervous I can’t even put it into words. I was so worried I was going to say the wrong thing which could have a detrimental impact on the young people I spoke with. But at the end of the shift, I just felt fantastic and there is so much support from the supervisors that you never feel alone.”
Emma is from Holywell and mainly volunteers her time on a Saturday evening from Childline’s Prestatyn base where she supports young people around a whole host of issues, including self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and feelings.
“I think demand is high during these hours because most services are unfortunately Monday- Friday 9-5 leaving many young people with no professional help over the weekend,” says Emma.
“They have no school, no access to other services they are using and that can be when young people feel at their most vulnerable.”
Emma juggles volunteering shifts for Childline around her home life, university studies and two other volunteering roles.
She says: “Being a Childline volunteer brings me a sense of purpose – 95% of the time I leave the shift feeling like a child or young person has been listened to and maybe even just for that one evening feels that things might just be okay.
“Some calls mean that for one young person, I might have helped keep them alive for long enough for them to get support and professional help.”
Emma’s advice to anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering as Childline counsellor?
“If I could say anything, I’d just say do it – if that drive is there to help children and young people, go for it.
“Young people need somewhere to feel safe heard and supported. One shift a week could be enough to help a young person and you could be the one person who has believed them, which is massive. There aren’t enough of us, so please come and help us to make a difference.”
Children and young people can speak with a Childline counsellor online or on the phone between 9am and midnight.
Childline Services Manager, Debs Davis says: “Childline gives children and young people a safe space to talk about anything that is happening to them or causing them to worry and that is so important – in fact it can be life-changing.
“We’re desperately in need of more English and Welsh speaking volunteers at our Childline base in Prestatyn so that we can continue to still be here or children and young people when they need us most.”
Successful applicants are asked to give a minimum 4.25 hours per week as a counsellor, and receive a comprehensive training package.
More information is available on the charity’s website. Anyone interested in finding out more about what the role entails and how to apply can contact Volunteer Co-ordinator Sally King-Sheard on 01745 772101 or via Sally.King-Sheard@NSPCC.org.uk
Anyone with any concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk for advice. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk for free 365 days a year.
Volunteers from NSPCC Cymru across Wales, one of our key partner charities, were surprised during Volunteers Week (June 1-7) with messages of thanks from celebrities impressed by their resilience during lockdown enabling the charity to still be here for children.
Stars from Wales Rugby recorded video messages of thanks, whilst Only Men Aloud recorded a song during lockdown to thank volunteers helping to provide a vital lifeline for young people.
Childline volunteers continue to support children and young people struggling to cope with the substantial problems the Coronavirus pandemic has presented, whilst the charity’s fundraising volunteers have pushed hard to help bridge a funding shortfall.
More than half of all counselling sessions delivered by Childline volunteers to children in Wales during April related to mental health, suicidal thoughts and feelings and self-harm.
The eight members of Only Men Aloud made home recordings of the Jess Glynne hit ‘I’ll be there’, creating a video for NSPCC Cymru volunteers.
Baritone Craig Yates said: “Through this Coronavirus pandemic, we were made aware that Childline had experienced an increased demand for its service.
“The Childline supervisors and volunteer counsellors have all been working continually, with a reduced workforce, to be there when children and young people in Wales need them most.
“We thought the words of this Jess Glynne song sum up perfectly what these incredible people feel for those most vulnerable, and from all of us in Only Men Aloud we wanted to give a huge thank you to them for everything they do and have done through this time.”
The popular octet has been generous in its support of the children’s charity, raising over £35,000 for its Wales Appeal in 2018 and 2019 when it championed NSPCC as its Charity of the Year.
Hywel Peterson, Divisional Vice President for NCPCC Cymru said: “We are so grateful for all the support Only Men Aloud has given to the NSPCC over the last two years, culminating in this video to thank all our volunteers who work tirelessly and give up their own time to ensure that the NSPCC can deliver services to children to keep them safe from harm.”
Singer Lucie Jones and Wales Rugby stars Martyn Williams, Sam Warburton, Jamie Roberts and Ryan Jones have also publicly thanked the charity’s volunteers in Wales, recording video messages of support.
Hywel added: “Our volunteers at Childline have heard from children and young people finding it hard to cope behind closed doors with a range of additional emotions such as fear and anxiety on top of every day stresses such as school work and friendships.
“Our volunteers continue to be here for children when they need it most and it’s lovely that our high-profile supporters are recognising their invaluable service to young people in such a heartfelt way.”
The NSPCC relies on public support for 90% of its funding and has launched a ‘We’re still here for children’ emergency appeal to raise vital funds to support children and families across the UK.
In these unprecedented times, all charities are facing big challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis – including the four that Child of Wales supports: the NSPCC, Teenage Cancer Trust, Dreams and Wishes (100% volunteer run) and the Bluestone Foundation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect with the cancellation of thousands of events and the loss of billions in income through fundraising events. The Virgin Money London Marathon alone, which should have taken place on Sunday 26 April, is the world’s biggest one-day fundraising event, which raised more than £66.4 million for thousands of charities in 2019.
Many of charities, including some of ours, have had to reduce services at a time when vulnerable members of society need them most; thousands of staff have been placed on furlough and many charities face tough times ahead.
To mitigate some of these problems to some extent, an initiative called the 2.6 challenge will launch on Sunday 26 April 2020 – what should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon, the world’s biggest one day annual fundraising event. The challenge will last for a week. The 2.6 Challenge is open to anyone of any age – the only requirement is that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing and remember to stay local.
From Sunday 26 April 2020, the organisers are asking you to dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise by donating.
The mass-participation event’s organisers behind the 2.6 Challenge are: Human Race, parkrun, The Great Run Company, Run 4 Wales, Grounded Events, London Landmarks, Virgin Sport, Limelight Sports, Threshold Sports, Running High and London Marathon Events.
The design and website has been created by Studio Republic and the social media campaign by LiveWire Sport. Both agencies are working pro bono. The campaign is supported by the Charities Aid Foundation, the Institute of Fundraising, the Small Charities Coalition, the Office for Civil Society, Sport England, Let’s Do This, Virgin Money Giving and JustGiving.
So for more information on The 2.6 Challenge and to raise money for charities in need right now, visit twopointsixchallenge.co.uk
The National Children of Wales Awards are proud to be supporting the NSPCC (National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children) Cymru/Wales, helping it continue its work supporting children, young people and their families throughout Wales.
One aspect of this work is its service to schools. Every week of the school term trained volunteers and staff from the Schools Service at NSPCC Cymru/Wales deliver free ‘Speak out. Stay safe’ assemblies and workshops to local primary school children. The sessions empower children, aged 5-11, to understand how to recognise and report abuse in an accessible, interactive, and age-appropriate way.
Offered free of charge to every primary school, in the last academic year the children’s charity delivered the safeguarding sessions at 436 primary schools across Wales, reaching 80,257 children with the help of its popular mascot, Buddy.
In the average primary school classroom, at least two children have suffered abuse or neglect. That’s why it is vital that children are equipped with the knowledge and skills to speak up if something doesn’t feel right, assured that a trusted adult, such as a teacher, will act to keep them safe.
“It can be difficult for teachers and parents to know how to tackle this sensitive but incredibly important subject,” said Candia Crosfield, Schools Manager – South West and Wales Region.
“Through our Speak out. Stay safe. programme we talk to children about the different types of abuse and let them know there are people out there who can help them.”
NSPCC Cymru/Wales is able to offer this important service to primary schools thanks to donations, which the charity relies on to fund 90% of its operations. A donation of £3 can help the Schools Service team reach one primary school pupil, giving them the knowledge to know what to do when something isn’t right. A £90 donation will cover the costs of delivering an assembly to 30 primary school pupils, and £580 will help reach a whole school of children.
Tailored workshops are available for SEND schools, and assemblies and workshops can be delivered in Welsh and English.
Schools can request an NSPCC school visit via the NSPCC Learning website at nspcc.org.uk/speakout
Anyone interested in volunteering for the Schools Service in Wales can contact 0121 227 7577 or email volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk. The service is currently appealing for more Welsh-language speaking volunteers.
The National Children of Wales Awards are proud to be supporting the NSPCC (National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children) Cymru/Wales, helping it continue its work supporting children, young people and their families throughout Wales.
From its service centres in Cardiff, Swansea and Prestatyn, dedicated children’s service practitioners from NSPCC Cymru/Wales provide preventative programmes, therapeutic services to help children move on from abuse, and support for parents and families in caring for their children.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) can happen online and offline, having a lasting impact on a young person’s life – but children continue to be at risk because of a limited understanding of what it is and how to tackle it.
This is why NSPCC Cymru/Wales offers its Protect and Respect service from all three of the children’s charity’s sites in Wales. Protect and Respect works with children and young people to help them recognise the signs that someone may be trying to exploit them, equip them to know how to respond, and teach them who to contact should they have a worry or a concern.
One strand of this work is an awareness raising group work programme with sessions already taking place in secondary schools across Wales, with young people who may have an increased vulnerability to exploitation. The programme includes groupwork sessions for children and young people aged 11-19 who need a safe and reflective space to learn about healthy relationships and consent, and to explore topics such as internet safety, grooming, and self-esteem. It is designed to raise awareness about the potential risks both online and offline, and to increase young people’s resilience and have a clearer understanding of how to access support.
As part of the group work offer, there is also a mandatory workshop for staff from the school, to help increase their awareness of the topics covered, and how to support the children and young people they work with. There is also a voluntary workshop offered to parents and carers of the young people who attend the group. The teenage years are a time in a young person’s life where they want to be more independent and to explore, which is a normal part of growing up. However, the growth of technologies and the different ways that young people communicate means that they are all vulnerable to exploitation. This is why parents and carers are being given the opportunity to help them learn how to support their child to stay safe in today’s world.
Protect and Respect also offers a 1-1 service with children and young people who are at high risk of or currently experiencing Child Sexual Exploitation. Children’s service practitioners take a trauma-informed approach, working with children and young people to help them to understand what is happening to them, and to take steps support the child/young person to experience safer relationships and a safer environment.
Alongside this there is also the option for parents or carers to be provided with tailored 1-1 support that helps improve their wellbeing and resilience. Parents can play a critical role in protecting children from forms of abuse, including child sexual exploitation. This can include helping families improve their relationships with each other and build on their support networks, as well as having an increased awareness of risks which their child may be exposed to.
The efforts of NSPCC Cymru/Wales to ensure both children and adults feel safe are truly commendable. The charity has been operating for the past 100 years, relying on public donations for 90% of its funding. We are so humbled to have the charity involved with the National Children of Wales Awards.
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