A leading child protection charity will reach out to even more young people in the Scottish capital by extending a programme aimed at giving children the knowledge they need to stay safe from abuse and neglect.
NSPCC Scotland will roll out its Speak Out Stay Safe programme to more primary schools in Edinburgh after receiving £5,700 from Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation.
The NSPCC wants its programme to reach all primary school children in the UK within the next two years and provide a generation of children with skills to protect them from harm.
The Speak Out Stay Safe programme is designed for children aged between 4 and 11, taking an age- appropriate approach to the difficult subjects of abuse, neglect and bullying. Through assemblies and workshops, and by using different tools such as mascots, posters and kits, they give essential safeguarding information in a lively, interactive and memorable way. Children are taught to understand abuse in all its forms and recognise the signs of abuse, know how to protect themselves, know how to get help and be aware of the sources of help available to them, including the charity’s Childline service.
NSPCC Scotland senior philanthropy manager Jennifer Seftor said: “This funding from Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation will help us keep even more children safe from abuse.
“We deliver Speak Out Stay Safe assemblies in primary schools so the children can understand abuse in all its forms, learn how to protect themselves and identify a range of support they can access if needed.
“Last year, the Speak Out Stay Safe programme was run in 35 schools and supported 9,679 children in Edinburgh.
“The generosity and support of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation this year will help NSPCC Scotland fund even more visits in the Edinburgh area.”
Claire Drummond head of charitable giving for Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation added: “Being able to reach children at primary school enables schools and pupils to identify problems sooner and ultimately makes sure children who experience abuse, neglect or bulling get the help they need to have the happy childhood they deserve.”
The Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact. It encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects. For more information visit
http://aboutus.aberdeen-asset.com/en/aboutus/responsible-business/aberdeen-charitable
The NSSPCC Speak Out Stay Safe programme helps school pupils stay safe