ChildLine launches new Schools Service and needs volunteers

Dorset school children will be among the first to receive a brand new service.

The new ChildLine Schools Service will focus on 7-11-year-olds and aims to help them understand what abuse is; how to protect themselves and how to seek help if they need it.

Research carried out by the NSPCC shows that the majority of children who contact Childline are over eleven.  However, Head of the Schools Service, Lee Mitchell says, “We know that the majority of children on the child protection register are under the age of eleven.  These younger children are not connected so much with the outside world.  In fact, their world is quite small.  So if abuse is happening to them at that age, then it's very difficult for children to speak up.  That's why we want to educate children earlier and ensure they know how to keep themselves safe or seek help if the need it.”

The new schools service will be led by volunteers who will be trained to deliver safeguarding assemblies and interactive workshops.

An Information Meeting on Tuesday, 26 July at 12pm at St Michael's Church, Bournemouth will be held where prospective volunteers can find out more about the ChildLine Schools Service.