NSPCC supports Newtownabbey Borough Council’s drive to keep children safe

Newtownabbey Borough Council has welcomed guidance from the NSPCC’s Child Protection Consultancy as part of its Community Capacity Building Programme for a wide range of groups across the Borough.

Jo Colville from Newtownabbey Borough Council said: “The Council is delighted to be able to offer this training to all community groups within the Borough and is encouraged by the raised awareness and engagement that the training has enabled.”

Working in partnership and collaboration with Newtownabbey Borough Council to improve the protection of children in the area, Irene McCready, NSPCC Northern Ireland senior training and development consultant, emphasised that “to end cruelty to children we must share our expertise and learn from what is happening elsewhere”.

“We acknowledge that many people have limited knowledge of safeguarding children, and design these sessions accordingly. 

“Through our Safeguarding Children and Young People Training we hope to enable managers, staff and volunteers to understand their roles and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children and young people within the context of the organisation’s child protection policy and procedures. 

“By the end of the session participants were aware of what to do if they have concerns about the safety of children and young people, what happens once concerns have been shared, their organisation’s child protection policy and procedures and their personal role.

“Children and young people should be able to enjoy participating in activities outside the home with the full confidence of their parents/guardians, and as such we were pleased to be of assistance.”

The NSPCC offers a range of child protection training, consultancy and learning resources to help keep children safe.  For further information on how your organisation can benefit call 0844 892 1026, email on [email protected] or visit www.nspcc.org.uk/inform.

PICTURED: Irene McCready, NSPCC Northern Ireland senior training and development consultant, and Jo Colville, Newtownabbey Borough Council community development assistant, present Catherine Hardy, Glengormley Community Group, and Chris Watson, Bawnmore and District Residents’ Association and CLASP Longlands Youth Club, with a certificate marking their completion of the NSPCC’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Training.