Picture: Howard Lake
The charity has thousands of volunteers but needs “many, many more” according to Sarah Laffling, its Community Fundraising Manager in Essex.
Sarah’s job is to raise funds for the charity but she decided she “really wants to make a difference” and also volunteers in its Speak Out Stay Safe school programme.
“We know two children in every classroom suffer some sort of abuse or neglect and I’ve had children come up to me and talk about their concerns. It’s really empowering to leave a school knowing you have made a difference,” she said.
The scheme sees volunteers go into primary schools across the county to give assemblies and workshops.
They are interactive and Sarah says children “watch an animated film, work in groups and learn who their trusted adults are in and out of school. They also learn about different forms of abuse.”
“We’re giving them all the knowledge they need to understand what’s happening to them is wrong because a lot of children don’t realise what is going on in their lives might be wrong.”
Anyone can volunteer, regardless of age or background, according to Sarah. The only requirement is that you can visit at least two schools a month and “believe that you want to empower and protect children.”
If you apply, you’ll receive training and be asked to shadow another volunteer before going into schools yourself.
The NSPCC receives 90% of its funding from the public and needs volunteers to carry out its work.
If you want to volunteer or find out more, you can go to its website, www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/volunteering-nspcc-childline/
Tags: Essex
