NSPCC Schools Service shortlisted for use of Welsh language in prestigious awards

The NSPCC’s Schools Service has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in recognition of its use of the Welsh language.

The charity’s Schools Service team has reached the final shortlist in the Use of the Welsh Language category at the Welsh Charity Awards 2024.

Organised by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), the awards recognise and celebrate the fantastic contribution charities, community groups, not-for-profits and volunteers make to Wales by highlighting and championing the positive difference we can make to each other’s lives.

The Use of the Welsh Language award is sponsored by Mentrau Iaith and features some great organisations working in Wales’ voluntary sector.

The NSPCC Schools Service is the face of the NSPCC in schools and aims to ensure that every child in the UK feels safe, listened to and supported and to provide every school and all teachers with the tools to do that.

The service has worked hard to develop its programmes, resources and lesson plans for schools in Welsh.

At the heart of the offer is the Speak out Stay safe safeguarding programme which helps children aged five to 11 to understand that they always have a right to feel safe, and that they can speak to a trusted adult or Childline if they ever need help or support.

The children’s charity believes empowering children with this knowledge is vital as on average two children in every primary school class have experienced abuse or neglect.

Rhian Jones, NSPCC Schools Service Manager Cymru, said: “At the NSPCC we have a commitment to the Welsh language, and we recognise that Welsh is the preferred language for some of our service users, supporters, volunteers and staff.

“We are especially proud of our bilingual offer to schools and children in Wales, and to be nominated in the Use of the Welsh Language category is great recognition of this work.

“Fully embracing the Welsh language makes a big difference in helping us to achieve our ambitions and in providing such important services to children and young people in Wales.”

The charity has previously been recognised for its commitment to the Welsh language by being awarded the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Cynnig Cymraeg commendation for the progress it is making in offering services to children and young people in Welsh.

An independent judging panel for the awards has shortlisted 27 finalists across eight categories from more than 200 nominations.

The winners will be announced at a glamourous awards ceremony on November 25 in Cardiff.

To find out more about NSPCC Cymru’s Schools Service visit https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/our-services/working-with-schools/

Children and young people can contact Childline about any worries by calling 0800 1111 or visiting the site. Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or via help@nspcc.org.uk.

For more information about the Welsh Charity Awards, please visit welshcharityawards.cymru