The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Superheroes spread the word about staying safe
If you visit a Highland library or leisure centre this weekend you have a fair chance of bumping into Batman, Wonder Woman or Superman.
Superhero costumes have been donned to promote an important safety message for children.
Highland Council’s leisure unit has teamed up with Inverness-based charity Safe, Strong and Free (SSF) which has been hosting a week of events.
The aim of the campaign is to reduce the vulnerability of children to abuse and assault.
The initiative has been visiting all Highland schools.
A charity team is explaining to youngsters who the heroes might be in their community – such as a police officer, teachers or coaches, or volunteers at an after-school club.
All the groups are trained and have procedures in place should a child disclose information about bullying, strangers or secrets.
High Life Highland is a charity delivering leisure services and community learning on behalf of the council. All staff are trained in child protection.
SSF’s Kerry Glen said: “We’re really pleased to have High Life Highland (HLH) take part in Highland Hero Week.
“They’re committed to training staff in terms of child and vulnerable group protection, so it seemed a
“They help kids to understand danger and what is wrong”
perfect fit to ask them to become involved in raising the profile of the event and therefore the work that we undertake.
“I’m delighted that HLH libraries and leisure centres across the Highlands are taking part to highlight the initiative.”
HLH chief executive Ian Murray said: “We were aware of the great work that SSF undertake in nurseries across the Highlands in terms of helping children at an early age to understand bullying, strangers and secrets – and what is rightand what’s not.”