Danny lends a helping hand to kids’charity Saints goalie boosts campaign
24.11.2018 St Mirren goalie Danny Rogers visited a Paisley primary school to back a leading children’s charity campaign.
Keeper Danny teamed up with NSPCC Scotland to speak to pupils at Ralston Primary about the charity’s Speak Out Stay Safe programme.
This has been delivered at assemblies since 2012 and since then tens of thousands of school children have heard the message about abuse and neglect.
In 2017- 18, assemblies have been delivered to 1,138 pupils in 14 schools across Renfrewshire.
NSPCC research shows that on average at least two children in every primary school classroom will have suffered some form of abuse or neglect.
The Speak Out Stay Safe presentations help children, in an age-appropriate way, to understand abuse in all its forms and recognise the signs that it is happening, learn how to protect themselves from abuse and how to get help – including from the NSPCC’s Childline service.
As well as specially-trained volunteers and staff, the charity’s mascot Buddy is also on hand during the assemblies to highlight to children the importance of speaking to a trusted adult or Childline about issues including abuse, neglect or bullying.
Interactive discussions and videos used during the assemblies gave the children help and tips on how to discuss and explore what constitutes harmful behaviour.
Speaking about his trip to Ralston Primary, Danny said: “The assemblies were brilliant. It was good to get the children involved and to let them know what they can do if they have any worries.
“They showed that no problem is too small. Young people can go to Childline with any problems they may have.
“It’s very important that Childline is there, it’s a confidential service which is so important.”
The organisation’s schools service area coordinator Rose Estelles added: “Delivering our Speak Out Stay Safe assembly to pupils in Ralston Primary for the first time has been a wonderful experience.
“We are so grateful for the input and support of Danny Rogers and St Mirren in making this such a success.
“We have already reached many primary schools throughout Renfrewshire but, building on today’s success, we have the ambition to reach even more schools and to empower and build resilience in all young people in this area.”
Jeanette Matheis, the school’s depute headteacher, said the visit was a boost to their existing health and wellbeing programme.
“The Speak Out Stay Safe programme delivers a crucial message to children about how to stay safe and get help with any worries they may have.
“Coupling this with a visit from Danny has certainly enhanced the children’s experience and helped to raise the profile of speaking out and staying safe,” she explained.