A GROUNDBREAKING programme to protect children against all forms of abuse, bullying and neglect is set to expand its service to cover even more children across South Ayrshire.

Delivered by a team of local volunteers NSPCC Scotland's Schools Service programme has spoken to P6 and P7 pupils across the area and is now trialling an expansion to deliver its child protection and safety message to an even wider age range of children.

Schools Service coordinator Rose Estelles said: “Every year over 4,000 Scottish children under the age of 11 contact ChildLine and a third seek help concerned about bullying, physical and sexual abuse so we know that there is a need from younger children to know where to turn for support.

“However, whether through fear or lack of information, we have found that children aren't seeking help or telling anyone what's happening until they are much older.

“Through assemblies and workshops we help children understand how they can keep themselves safe. We talk to them about what is and isn’t ok and encourage them to think about who to turn to, if they are worried about anything.

“The expansion means we are able to reach to even younger children, all the children in the school will attend an assembly with pupils in P6 and P7 having an hour long follow-up workshop.” 

The charity is now looking to recruit volunteers who believe in the empowerment and protection of children to deliver the service to schools. Volunteers deliver two school visits a month and are fully trained by NSPCC.

Find out how you can support the NSPCC Schools Service or about the NSPCC’s work in Scotland: nspcc.org.uk/volunteer.