More than 16,000 children in Merseyside have learnt what the signs of abuse are and who they can go to for help, thanks to a team of volunteers from the NSPCC.

During the 2018/19 autumn term, volunteers from the child protection charity visited 16,903 children with “Speak Out. Stay Safe”, a programme designed to give them the knowledge they need to stay safe from abuse and who thaey can turn to for help.

Mel Holland, head of the NSPCC schools service for the North of England, said: “The response we have had from schools across Merseyside has been truly fantastic.

“Thanks to the engagement from those schools we have visited, more than 16,000 children know what abuse is and how they can protect themselves.

“Children have spoken out about abuse as a result of our volunteers delivering this programme in schools, so we know how vitally important the information we deliver is.”

Speak Out. Stay Safe aims to help a generation of children by giving them the understanding they need to stay safe from abuse and neglect.

Children are taught by specially trained volunteers, along with speech bubble mascot Buddy, to speak out if they are worried, either to a trusted adult or to Childline.

Mel added: “Our volunteers give up their time to make a difference in the lives of children, and it’s very rewarding knowing that you have helped a child.

"All our volunteers are given extensive training to help them deliver the assemblies in the most child friendly way.”

The programme is a combination of assemblies and a workshop.

The assembly helps children understand the different types of abuse so they can get help when they need it.

During the workshops year 5 and 6 pupils take part in engaging activities to explore definitions of abuse in more detail.