Teaming up to help protect children
A retired sales manager and mum of four have joined forces to
visit schools and deliver NSPCC’s Speak Out Stay Safe service
It’s an unusual partnership, but mum-of-four Jennifer Kilpatrick and retired sales
manager Hamilton Topping have been joining forces two mornings a week to help
children recognise abuse.
Jennifer and Hamilton volunteer with the NSPCC’s Schools Service alongside others
of all ages and walks of life who donate time to run Speak Out Stay Safe (SOSS)
sessions in primary schools in Northern Ireland.
SOSS volunteers teach fun and engaging child-friendly and age-appropriate
workshops to help pupils understand and identify the different types of abuse, and
how to speak out about any issues so they can get help if they need it.
The sessions cover these difficult subjects without using scary words or adult
language and help children identify a trusted adult they can talk to if they are ever
worried about themselves or a friend.
They also learn about Childline and how it can support them.
“I’ve been working as an NSPCC Schools Service volunteer for more than five
years,” says Jennifer, a former Training Officer/Consultant from Lisburn.
“The flexibility of the role allows me to still get my own children to school in the
morning and home again in the afternoon.
“The minimum commitment is two days a month, which I find very achievable
especially as you can choose which schools will suit you in relation to the timings
and locations.”
The busy full-time mum became a Schools Service volunteer after she found out
about the vital work carried out by the NSPCC.
“I had been looking for a volunteer role for a while,” she says. “And the more I
discovered about the charity, the more I realised how important the work is that they
carry out.
“Their vision of ending child cruelty and abuse and promoting a society where all
children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential is something I wanted to be
a part of.
“Equipping children with the ability to recognise abuse and how to get help if and
when needed, is crucial to ending child cruelty,” she adds.
Jennifer’s regular SOSS partner is Hamilton Topping, a 74-year-old former BT Sales
manager, also from Lisburn.
“After I retired, I began another career looking after my grandchildren,” he jokes.
“Then seven years ago, when they all started school, I began looking round for
something worthwhile to do.
“I heard an advert for NSPCC volunteers on the radio and when I checked it out, it
fitted nicely with what I was able to give in terms of time.
“I really like working with children and what with looking after my own and then my
grandchildren, I’d certainly plenty of experience!” he laughs.
“Plus, I wanted to do something worthwhile with my time.
“A lot of people might think, ‘Oh I couldn’t stand up and talk in front of 30-plus
children and their teacher’. And yes, it can be a bit of a challenge at the start.
“But after initial training you go out as an observer with other volunteers and then
start taking part in small bits of the workshops.
“You can go at whatever pace suits you and you pick up more and more bits and
grow in confidence until you are able to do it on your own with your partner.
“There’s lots of refresher training and your volunteer coordinator is always on hand.
They really keep in touch and keep you motivated and are always available for a
chat after a workshop.
“I’ve been teaming up with Jennifer for almost two years now and we work really well
together – but I’ve no idea how she manages four children,” he laughs.
NSPCC Northern Ireland is currently appealing for volunteers to join its Schools
Service.
The charity is currently running no-obligation online information sessions where you
can hear about the work of an SOSS volunteer, the training and support offered and
ask any questions you may have.
“I remember the first school I visited very well – it was my birthday,” laughs Jennifer.
“I’ve been working with Hamilton from day one and he’s always provided me with
support and guidance. He’s also very funny.
“Working together to help stop child abuse and neglect is very rewarding as I know
we are making a difference in many children’s lives.
“Knowing that you are playing a small part in making a difference gives you a sense
of pride. You leave each school feeling like you’ve done something good.”
“One of the most important things that we have to do is watch out for things children
say that might reveal possible problems,” adds Hamilton.
“That doesn’t happen very often, but if it does, you report it to the teacher and your
volunteer coordinator straight away and it’s followed up immediately. But the vast
majority of the time, the sessions are great fun and children do come out with a lot of
amusing comments.
“When it comes to helping children be confident and learn how to speak out, you
couldn’t find anything more worthwhile than being a SOSS volunteer.
“There was nothing like SOSS back when I was at school.
“Thankfully there is now.”
*If you would like to find out more information and/or attend an information
session go to: www.nspcc.org.uk and search ‘volunteer in schools’ or email:
[email protected]
CAPTIONS: NSPCC Schools Service volunteers Hamilton Topping and Jennifer
Kilpatrick getting ready to deliver a Speak Out Stay Safe (SOSS) workshop
ENDS
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About the NSPCC
The NSPCC is the leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK
and Channel Islands. Using voluntary donations, which make up around 90 per
cent of our funding, we help children who’ve been abused to rebuild their lives,
we protect children at risk, and we find the best ways of preventing child abuse
from ever happening. So when a child needs a helping hand, we’ll be there.
When parents are finding it tough, we’ll help. When laws need to change, or
governments need to do more, we won’t give up until things improve. Our
Childline service provides a safe, confidential place for children with no one else
to turn to, whatever their worry, whenever they need help. Children can contact
Childline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our free NSPCC helpline is open
every day of the year for any adult worried about a child. Our practitioners
provide advice and support, listen to concerns about a child, and offer general
information about child protection.