Wales’ Head Coach has today helped the NSPCC deliver an innovative service for children at his former school.
Rob Howley visited Oldcastle Primary in Bridgend on Friday (Sep 23) where he spoke to children as part of the charity’s schools service.
Speak Out, Stay Safe has already reached more than 80,000 children since it was launched in Wales.
Specially trained volunteers have now delivered assembly presentations during more than 1,500 school visits.
Linking directly to the curriculum, the service helps children to:
- Understand abuse in all its forms and recognise the signs that it’s happening
- Learn how to protect themselves from all forms of abuse
- Recognise how to get help and support
As well as assembly presentations for all primary schoolchildren, one hour workshops are also provided for pupils in years six and seven.
Online safety has recently become a focus of the service, which aims to ensure all 5-11 year olds have access to essential information on how to stay safe from abuse and neglect.
Recent figures – obtained by NSPCC Cymru / Wales – showed more than 150 online grooming offences had been recorded by police here in the last five years. In each case, an adult met a child following interaction online.
Today, Rob Howley supported NSPCC volunteers at his old school as they delivered ‘Speak Out, Stay Safe’.
He said:
“It’s an honour to be invited back to my former school and to help the NSPCC deliver this invaluable service.
“Oldcastle holds many special memories and to be given the opportunity to deliver this important message to pupils here is a great privilege.”
Head of NSPCC Cymru / Wales, Des Mannion, said:
“Speak Out, Stay Safe is a ground-breaking service that ensures primary schoolchildren have access to essential information on abuse and neglect.
“On average, we have delivered over 300 assemblies every year since 2011 and it’s extremely heartening to see Rob Howley actively supporting our team.
“Reaching more than 80,000 children in just five years is a landmark for the schools service and it’s testament to the hard work and determination of our volunteers.”
Speak Out, Stay Safe co-ordinator, Natalie Evans, added:
“We are a successful service that continues to break boundaries in Wales and today’s additional support is hugely welcome.
“Not only does Speak Out, Stay Safe benefit tens of thousands of pupils, it also supports our schools to meet their statutory requirements.
“We are absolutely committed to ensuring all 5-11 year olds get the information they need in an appropriate way and we look forward to more success throughout this school year.”
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
