A CAMPAIGN which aims to help children stay safe is proving a huge success.

Primary school pupils in Keighley and across the district are learning about signs of abuse and who they can go to for help.

During the last autumn term, specially-trained volunteers from child protection charity the NSPCC gave presentations to more than 23,000 children in West Yorkshire schools.

The Speak Out, Stay Safe programme is designed to give youngsters the understanding they need to help protect themselves from abuse and neglect.

The volunteers – accompanied by speech-bubble mascot, Buddy – encourage pupils to speak out, to a trusted adult or Childline, if they are worried.

Nick Hanslip, the NSPCC’s schools service manager for West Yorkshire, said: “The response we have had from schools in the area has been fantastic.

“Thanks to engagement from those schools we’ve visited, more than 23,000 children now know what abuse is and how they can protect themselves.

“Children have spoken out about abuse as a result of our volunteers delivering this programme, so we know how vitally important the information we provide is.”

He also pays tribute to the volunteers.

“They give-up their time to make a difference in the lives of children and it’s very rewarding knowing that you have helped a youngster,” said Mr Hanslip.

“All our volunteers are given extensive training to help them deliver the assemblies in the most child-friendly way.”

The Speak Out, Stay Safe programme is delivered through a combination of assemblies and workshops.

The assemblies help the children understand more about different types of abuse, so that they can get help when they need it.

And during the workshops, pupils from years five and six take part in activities to explore definitions of abuse in more detail.

The scheme is available to all primary schools in the UK.

In 2017-18, volunteers visited more than 8,000 schools nationally and spoke to 1.8 million children.

The NSPCC says that whilst the programme is offered free to schools, the charity warns it can only continue to provide the service with public support.

“A donation of just £3 could pay for Speak Out, Stay Safe to reach one child – giving them the knowledge to protect themselves from abuse,” said Mr Hanslip.

Schools interested in arranging a visit can obtain further details at nspcc.org.uk.

The website also contains further information about other help and support available from the charity.

Childline caters for anyone under 19 who needs help with any issue, from abuse and bullying to exam stress and relationships. The service is free and confidential and available anytime.

Visit childline.org.uk or call 0800 1111.