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Almost 1,000 primary school children in Jersey will this week learn how to Speak Out and Stay Safe from abuse. The NSPCC’s mascot Buddy will be helping the charity’s Schools Service Co-ordinator for Jersey Peter Frost deliver assemblies and workshops at four schools in Jersey this week.
The sessions are tailored to different year groups to ensure the content is age-appropriate. The older children take part in additional workshops where they learn about physical, sexual and emotional abuse as well as neglect and bullying.
Buddy helps the children recognise the signs of abuse, empowering them to know about the different kinds of abuse and identify a trusted adult they can speak to if they have worries about themselves or a friend.
The NSPCC’s Speak Out Stay Safe programme was delivered at nine schools and to 2,362 children in Jersey in the last academic year (2017/18). The assemblies are for children aged 5-11 and teach them about safeguarding and abuse in a lively, interactive and memorable way.
On average two children in every classroom have suffered abuse or neglect and so it’s really important that children know who they can talk to if they’re upset or worried.
Children in Jersey have also been learning about abuse through the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, which was launched in April of this year, in conjunction with the Jersey Safeguarding Board. PANTS is a simple way to ensure children understand the ‘Underwear Rule’ - that their body belongs to them, they have the right to say no, and that they should always talk to an adult they trust if they’re worried.
P– Privates are private.
A– Always remember your body belongs to you.
N– No means no.
T– Talk about secrets that upset you.
S– Speak up, someone can help.
Schools Service
Our staff and volunteers deliver Speak Out Stay Safe in schools across the UK and Jersey. They speak with children to know what abuse is, that it’s never a child’s fault and who to turn to if they ever need to talk. This programme gives children the knowledge and understanding they need to stay safe from abuse and neglect. It includes child friendly, interactive meetings and workshops in primary schools to help children aged 4 to 11 learn essential safeguarding information in a lively, interactive and memorable way.
Helpline campaign
In April of this year, in conjunction with the Jersey Safeguarding Board, we launched our Helpline campaign. All Islanders can access the Freephone helpline number should they have any concerns about a child on 0808 800 5000 where those answering the calls have access to information about local services and places of support. We have seen an increase in calls to the Helpline from Jersey residents already.
Jersey Service Centre
In 2017/18 staff at our Jersey service centre worked directly with 122 expectant parents and 19 children as we launched our new children’s service. We believe in a society where every child is happy, fulfilled and free from fear. Our services aim to protect children, prevent abuse and give children the help and support they need.
Baby Steps–an antenatal service that offers support and advice for people preparing for parenthood.A nine week group programme provided by NSPCC practitioners and midwives. This programme starts before birth and supports parents in a fun, meaningful way which helps them engage positively with their babies and develop the necessary parenting and relationship skills to ensure their children thrive.
Letting the Future In- a therapeutic service for children and young people aged 4 to 17, who have been affected by sexual abuse. This service is designed to work with children, young people and the safe parent and / or carer.
United Voices
This is a monthly group for 11 to 18 year olds, held at The Gower Centre. This group engages in regional participation events nationally. It gives children and young people an opportunity to voice their say on the services available to them and to discuss any issues.
Childline
Based on the population of Jersey, we can estimate that our volunteers delivered around 400 counselling sessions to children living in Jersey in 2017/18. Some of them are going through the toughest times of their lives. They face issues such as mental/emotional health, family relationships and bullying. So it’s vital they have somewhere to turn. Childline (0800 11 11 and www.childline.org.uk) is there for them 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
