Resources designed to keep children safe in sport

Dear Sir, We know that the best way to tackle child abuse in sports settings is for everyone involved to work together.

Parents and carers play a huge role in keeping their children safe in sport and, in fact, without their support and involvement in everything from washing the kit to ferrying the children about, it’s likely that youth sport would cease to exist.

NSPCC Northern Ireland is highlighting the importance of this cooperation by launching the Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport campaign which kicks off from October 3-9 and the aim is to help parents understand their crucial safeguarding role in their child’s sport.

We have developed lots of useful resources which are designed to help parents and carers know how best to play an active and supportive role in their children’s participation, as well as useful information on the safeguarding requirements of clubs and activities and how to raise any concerns, if necessary.

There’s everything from a short explanatory video to a free e-learning course for parents and general information on our parent hub. It’s all available here www.nspcc.org.uk/safeinsport.

I appreciate that parents may have many other questions or concerns and would advise them to contact NSPCC’S helpline at help@ nspcc.org.uk or 0808 800 5000, which is staffed by trained professionals who can provide expert advice and support.

The helpline can assist if you’re concerned about a child or if you’re a parent just looking for general advice. If you’re worried about something that’s taken place in your child’s club but don’t feel comfortable talking to a welfare officer, or a member of staff, the helpline can also advise and support you.

In cases where further help is needed to keep a child safe, they can alert the right people and agencies for you. The service is free, and you don’t have to say who you are.

NSPCC Northern Ireland will, of course, continue to provide information, support, and resources to help parents to keep their children safe in sport throughout the year but in the meantime, I would encourage everyone to support the campaign and get involved and spread the word and look out for our social media activities at our NSPCC Northern Ireland Facebook and Twitter pages.

Your faithfully, Paul Stephenson, NSPCC Northern Ireland Senior Consultant, Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) Paul.stephenson@nspcc.org.uk