CHILDREN'S charity the NSPCC is seeking volunteers across the district to help deliver special assemblies in primary schools.

The Speak out Stay safe sessions are designed to educate children, aged five to 11, about how to recognise – and respond to – abuse.

Michelle Green, the NSPCC schools service regional manager, says: "We deliver these assemblies in primary schools across the region, guiding children with age-appropriate language to understand that abuse is never their fault, and how to seek help if it's needed.

"Help is provided through safe adults or our Childline service.

"Mascots are also used by volunteers to explain to the children the varying types of abuse, advising them on what to do if they ever have concerns about themselves or a friend.

"We would love to hear from anyone who can spare just a few hours each month to help share vital Speak out Stay safe messaging with children and young people.

"Our volunteers have told us they consider it a privilege to raise children’s awareness of their right to be safe, and many feel that through our schools service they have also gained a sense of pride, confidence and empowerment by delivering these workshops and sharing this important messaging."

The minimum requirement for a volunteer is to visit two schools each month.

In the past year, the NSPCC has delivered the Speak out Stay safe programme to more than 185,000 children in over 831 schools across Yorkshire and the north east.

Schools service volunteers in the Bradford district include Rosanne Smith.

She began volunteering relatively recently, but says she has already found the role "very rewarding".

Rosanne adds: "I am a new volunteer to the NSPCC and have been delivering workshops in schools for the last six months.

"The training and support I have received has been exceptional – it has really helped build my confidence.

"Seeing the engagement and the impact of delivering the Speak out Stay safe workshops on children, as they learn to understand important messages about their wellbeing and the support that is available, has been both heartening and empowering.

"I've found the whole experience very rewarding."

The NSPCC is hoping to reach even more children in the region during the coming months.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with the schools service can find out more at join-us.nspcc.org.uk/volunteers

Schools can learn more about Speak out Stay safe, and register, at learning.nspcc.org.uk/services/speak-out-stay-safe