Training to spot signs of child abuse rolled out

Training to help people spot the signs a child might be at risk of abuse is to take place across the country, after being successfully trialled in Leeds.

The Listen up, Speak up workshops, led by the NSPCC, will be offered to schools, businesses, organisations and community groups.

The face-to-face sessions offer advice on how to approach difficult conversations and who to contact if someone is concerned about a child.

A recent survey for the charity suggested 30% of adults in Yorkshire and the Humber have had concerns a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect.

The YouGov survey of 3,999 adults across the UK, including 338 in Yorkshire and the Humber, also suggested one in five adults (21%) in the region with those concerns did not take action.

When the workshops were trialled in Leeds last year, groups including taxi drivers, sports clubs and city centre businesses signed-up for the training.

This week, the charity is working with the National Trust on sessions at East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley.

Gail Sayles, local campaigns manager for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “We believe that everyone can play a part in keeping children safe, if armed with the knowledge of what to do when concerned a child is at risk.

"This can range from practically supporting a family, being a listening ear or letting someone know about your concerns, such as a parent, a safeguarding lead for a sports club, or even contacting the NSPCC Helpline."

The charity aims to reach one million people and organisations across the UK, through the workshops and online training, over the next 10 years.