Launch of Scottish Borders Child Protection Campaign 2008
Friday, June 13 2008
Raising awareness of child protection issues directly with school children is the focus of a new Child Protection Campaign across the Scottish Borders.
Launching the campaign, Chair of Scottish Borders Child Protection Committee Pauline Walker explained: “Aimed at children, the campaign delivers a clear message that abuse of any kind is wrong and that help and support is available to children. Schools and out-of-school groups, such as Brownies, Cubs and youth clubs, were involved in developing the campaign – contributing ideas and feedback on the proposals.”
The campaign consists of two posters that have been created to appeal to different age groups - a ‘Stop It’ poster which is intended for younger primary school children and a ‘Child Abuse is Never Right’ poster targeted at secondary school pupils.
The posters are aimed to encourage youngsters to talk to someone they can trust if they are being abused or neglected or call the local helpline number 01896 662762.
In addition, individual packs are being provided to all primary pupils. Children in Primary 1 – 4, will receive an envelope with a poster and a pack of crayons and Primary 5 – 7 children will receive a key-ring. Both packs are branded with the campaign messages and feature the helpline number.
Other campaign material issued by the Child Protection Committee includes: ‘It’s your Responsibility’ - a card which includes useful advice and contact numbers; a copy of its annual report; and a leaflet entitled ‘Taking Care of Children – Information for Families Living in Scotland’.
The Borders campaign reinforces the national campaign to raise awareness of child abuse amongst adults and promote the national ‘ChildProtectionLine’ a 24-hour freephone service.
The Scottish Borders Child Protection Committee is a high level committee which consists of senior representatives from agencies with responsibility for child protection. These include representatives from NHS Borders, Lothian and Borders Police and SBC’s Education and Lifelong Learning and Social Work departments.
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