insideKENT Magazine Issue 26 - May 2014 | Page 146

CHARITY

CHILDLINE LAUNCHES NEW SCHOOLS SERVICE
At least two children in every primary school classroom will have suffered
some form of abuse or neglect – a startling fact. However, what if we could
stop the abuse, before it inflicts terrible and lasting harm?
ChildLine has launched a vital new service to prevent abuse before
it even starts. The ChildLine Schools Service educates 9-11 year olds on
abuse in all of its forms, how to protect themselves, and where to go for
help. It’s delivered by trained volunteers who host age-appropriate assemblies
and workshops.
Sarah Walker, area coordinator for the service in Kent and Medway,
said: “Our team of dedicated volunteers has spoken to 3,000 children
across 40 schools in Kent, and equipped them with the tools they need
to keep themselves safe. We can’t wait to go into the other 500 Kent
schools.
“But to do that we need local people to get behind the Now I Know
appeal, which will fund this vital service up to 2016 and beyond, as well
as helping us reach every school in Kent.
“Our volunteers will give children the con