Examples of our work
Our work is as varied as the communities that we partner with. We've put together some examples of our previous, ongoing and future campaigns below.
If you'd like to know more or to discuss a need in your area, then please send an email to localcampaigns@nspcc.org.uk.
Improving interactions between parents and babies: Look, Say, Sing, Play
Parents and carers are interacting with their babies all the time, but don't always realise that these interactions can help shape the way their baby's brain develops. Look, Say, Sing, Play is a set of resources developed by NSPCC that encourage interaction between parents and their babies – with tips that can be easily incorporated into everyday routines.
We've been working with communities across the UK to develop these resources and activities for their local areas. We have been running workshops for professionals and parents, held face to face and online. And we've worked with local partners to spread the message to parents.
In Gloucestershire and Walsall, the brain-building tips and resources have been integrated into the local authorities' online offer for parents. And in York, these have been included in the 'red book' (Personal Child Health Record) given to new parents.
Protecting children from neglect
Neglect can have serious and long-lasting impacts on a child's life. It can cause serious harm and even death. We work across the UK to provide tailored support to professionals, children and families to help prevent neglect.
In Edinburgh, the 'All of Us' campaign is being delivered in partnership with Edinburgh Child Protection Committee to help get parents the support they need early on. Activities include monthly learning sessions for professionals as well as events in the community.
In Bedfordshire, the team worked with local partners to provide information and sources of support about neglect for adolescents from October 2018 to March 2019.
And in Hertfordshire a new campaign is being developed to support the launch of a new local neglect strategy.
Talking PANTS to keep children safe from sexual abuse
PANTS helps children understand that their body belongs to them, and they should tell someone they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried. We have created a range of resources including guides to help parents talk PANTS with their children, teaching resources for schools and a catchy PANTS song performed by Pantosaurus.
We have been working across the UK to tailor resources and support for local areas, delivering the campaign with local partners and organisations.
In Plymouth, workshops have been held with professionals to help them share the message with children and families.
In Northern Ireland, the campaign has been delivered with the support of the Public Health Agency as part of the Sexual Health Strategy NI. As well as holding webinars for parents, the team has used social media to distribute the messages across each trust area.
And in London, additional messaging is being developed to respond to the local need for safeguarding information about unregulated spaces and activities.
Recognising and responding to sexual abuse and exploitation
It's vital that communities are able to recognise and respond to child sexual abuse (CSA) and child sexual exploitation (CSE). And that children and young people who have been abused know where to turn for help.
In Sheffield, we delivered a year-long campaign aimed at raising awareness of CSA and CSE among young people, parents, the public and professionals. This included a tour of 'It's Not OK' a play about CSA and CSE, and the development of a film by students.
In Cumbria, we recently held an event with 250 professionals about child exploitation and have a range of activities forthcoming with professionals, parents and young people.
In Dumfries and Galloway we reached thousands of young people with key messages about CSE.
And in Dundee we're launching a campaign about peer sexual abuse which will be lead by a young women’s advisory group.
Keeping children safe online
Being online is a great way for children and young people to stay connected with friends and family, to learn and play. But there are also risks. So it's important that professionals, parents and young people understand how they can keep safe.
The local campaigns team leads on the delivery of online safety webinars and workshops to parents. These can be delivered in community or workplace settings and can be adapted for the needs of specific audiences, such as foster carers or parents/carers of children with SEND.
In Scotland, as part of the 'Think b4 You Type' campaign, a toolkit has been produced in consultation with young people to help combat cyberbullying.
In Stoke-on-Trent, as part of Together for Childhood, we are working with a number of partners to design an online safety campaign that is informed and lead by young people.
Delivering tailored messages and campaigns for your area
The examples above are just some of the ways that we work with local communities across the UK. We're always looking for new ways to reach communities, especially groups we haven't engaged with before, and take a flexible approach to everything we do.
For example, in Liverpool we joined forces with Alder Hey Children's Hospital Youth Forum to raise awareness of the impact of COVID-19 and the lockdown on children and young people.
And in Grimsby, we'll be launching a youth-led campaign in 2021 about healthy relationships.
We'd love to talk about how we can help your local community, email localcampaigns@nspcc.org.uk to find out more.
