Charity is helping Sunderland pupils stay safe

The NSPCC Schools Service said it has been helping the pupils how to understand abuse.

The service in Sunderland supported schools such as Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary School through assembly events and workshops, which have seen volunteers go into schools to provide help and advice.

NSPCC volunteers Amanda McMabola and Susan Evans and NSPCC area co-ordinator Christine Danby-Platt attended the school recently to speak with the youngsters.

Since 2011 the free service has delivered key safeguarding messages to children, aged from four to 11, helping them to understand abuse in all its forms, recognise the signs and know how to protect themselves.

Ms Danby-Platt said: “We know that the best way to reach children is through speaking to them directly in schools and we are really proud of what the Schools Service has achieved for children on Wearside.

“We couldn’t have got this far without our brilliant volunteers and the fantastic support of local schools, nor without the phenomenal amount of money raised by the Business Board.

“We want to reach more children and continue our work in partnership with schools to ensure they are the safest environment for children.”

This work, delivered by the dedicated team of NSPCC staff and committed volunteers, has been aided by the NSPCC’s Sunderland Business Board, which since May 2015 has raised more than £40,000 for the service.

The board consists of leading employees from Ashmore Consulting, Callaghan Marketing, Grundfos Manufacturing Ltd, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sunderland AFC, and the University of Sunderland.

The NSPCC Schools Service in Sunderland is looking for regular volunteers.

To find out more, email Christine Danby-Platt on [email protected].

To find out more about how to get involved in fundraising for the charity, contact Nihad Cehic on [email protected]