GOAL IS TO HELP KIDS BEAT ABUSE
Netball players take part in school project
SPORTS stars have helped to give primary school pupils lessons in how to beat abuse.
Netball players from the Scottish Sirens and the Scottish Thistles national side teamed up with the NSPCC to promote their anti-abuse message at Holy Cross Primary in Glasgow.
The charity were delivering their Speak Out Stay Safe campaign to hundreds of youngsters.
The pupils enjoyed an interactive presentation dealing with sensitive topics like sexual and physical child abuse.
Animated videos helped show kids how to spot abuse and identify trusted adults – and the charity’s mascot Buddy the Speech Bubble reinforced the importance of speaking out.
NSPCC Glasgow schools co-ordinator Richard Caswell said: “If we can get them in the habit of speaking about their feelings then they’re more likely to speak out against abuse.
“The aim is to empower children and teach them that Childline is always there if they can’t tell an adult. It was important to bring in the netball players because they’re perfect ambassadors of empowerment.”
Netball players Emily Nicholl and Vanessa Walker gave one lucky class a coaching session.
Emily, 23, who plays for the Scottish Thistles national team, said the message they were giving was a valuable one. She added: “It’s important to look out for one another and speak out.”
Richard said events such as the school visit help the NSPCC’s Light Up Christmas campaign – which is raising funds for Childline – by increasing levels of awareness and encouraging volunteering.