Arielle helps to spread ‘speak out’ message
Broadcaster visits Stirling school
A Stirling–born Radio 1 broadcaster has given her support to the NSPCC by helping to deliver the charity’s Speak Out Stay Safe assembly at a school in the city.
Arielle Free was at Borestone Primary for an initiative which aims to help children recognise different types of abuse and to feel confident about speaking to a trusted adult or to Childline.
The charity began the assemblies in 2012 and since then its staff and volunteers have spoken to tens of thousands of schoolchildren across the country.
Arielle, who appeared in the Harry Potter films, attended St Ninians Primary before going on to the Dance School of Scotland in Glasgow.
She is a dancer and ballerina and hosts the ITV children’s morning show ‘Scrambled’.
The 32–year old-decided to support the NSPCC after bullied as a teenager.
She said: “I’ve always been aware of the vital work of the NSPCC to enable children to have the confidence to speak out when something isn’t right.
“Without this work so many children would be lost and I feel like the NSPCC and Childline do so much for children who are experiencing bullying or abuse or any sort of mental hardship.
“I had a lot of challenges through secondary school as I went to a dance school that was mixed with a mainstream school.
“There was quite a lot of bullying and I had a brief spell of bulimia and anorexia because of this.
“Bullying can have a really damaging mental effect on you and it is so important to tell someone.
“When I was being bullied I didn’t know what to do. It took a lot of courage to tell someone and I decided to confide in my teacher, which really helped as they were able to support me and resolve the issue. being
“The minute you do tell someone there is such an instant relief that you no longer have to keep that secret to yourself.”
Arielle added: “It was great to come back to Stirling and come along to Borestone Primary School and witness the work the NSPCC do in schools through Speak Out Stay Safe.
“I have always grown up with support from my family and I think it’s important to support a charity such as the NSPCC, especially working on ‘Scrambled’ where I have a large audience of children.”
Alan Stewart of NSPCC Scotland said: “It’s so important for children to have a voice and that they shouldn’t stop speaking out until action is taken.”
Borestone Primary headteacher Gillian Orr said: “Speaking out about things that worry our children is vital.
“It helps them stay safe and lets them know there is always someone around them they can trust, whether that’s a teacher or a relative or another trusted adult.”