Fitzy backs safety campaign
St Mirren chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick has joined the NSPCC Scotland charity to help get its vital child safety message across.
Tony visited St Catherine’s Primary School in Paisley to support the organisation’s groundbreaking Speak Out Stay Safe programme.
NSPCC research shows that on average at least two children in every primary school classroom will have suffered some form of abuse or neglect.
The Speak Out Stay Safe assembly presentations help children, in an age-appropriate way, to understand abuse in all its forms and recognise the signs that it is happening, learn how to protect themselves from abuse and recognise how to get help – including from the NSPCC’s Childline service.
Tony, who is author of Babakoochi Bear children’s books, said: “At St Mirren we love the link with NSPCC Scotland because we are a family and community club. We care for the whole community and children are a big part of that. The NSPCC’s message of encouraging children to speak out to stay safe is a fantastic one.
“I remember being bullied when I was a child at school.
“I was frightened to tell anyone but I eventually did. I confided in my mum and it was the best thing I did as it got everything sorted out.
“I had gone through nine months of hell so the message is that you are never alone, go and speak to someone you trust, or speak to Childline.
“In my Babakoochi Bear books, wherever Babakoochi goes he has his grandfather with him, that’s an adult he can trust.
“Babakoochi shares everything with his grandfather, including all his fears. It’s important children have an adult or service like Childline to turn to for help.”
As well as specially- trained volunteers and staff, the charity’s mascot Buddy is also on hand during the assemblies to highlight to children the importance of speaking to a trusted adult or Childline about issues including abuse, neglect or bullying.
Interactive discussions and videos used during the assemblies gave the children help and tips on how to discuss and explore what constitutes harmful behaviour.
NSPCC Scotland schools service area coordinator Rose Estelles added: “Delivering our Speak Out Stay Safe assembly to pupils in St Catherine’s Primary School for the first time has been a wonderful experience.
“We are so grateful for the input and support of Tony Fitzpatrick.”
Headteacher Emma Henry added: “St Catherine’s is a rights respecting school, which means our young people and the school community learn about children’s rights, putting them into practice every day.”
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