More than 2,300 children at 17 primary schools across Hillingdon have attended an NSPCC assembly aimed at preventing child sexual abuse.

The Speak Out. Stay Safe programme uses child-friendly, interactive assemblies and workshops to teach pupils aged 4 to 11 about the different types of abuse, including sexual abuse, and who to turn to if they are ever affected.

Speak Out. Stay Safe was launched in 2011 after research showed the majority of children who contacted Childline were aged over 11 years of age but many said that the abuse had begun years before they picked up the phone.

Tens of thousands of children have attended the assemblies so far, including the 2,366 in Hillingdon, but the charity aims to reach every primary school across the UK.

Gabriella Russo, Area Co-ordinator for Hillingdon, said: “Right now, an average of 1 child in every 20 has suffered sexual abuse. 

“Every child is affected differently. 

“For many, it can ruin their childhood, derail development and have a long term impact, leading to problems that last into adulthood.

“But it doesn’t have to be this way — if we know how to recognise the risks and we know how to provide support when problems are first identified — together we can all take steps that can prevent child sexual abuse from happening in the first place.”

Offered free to schools, the Speak Out. Stay Safe programme is designed to help children understand and recognise the signs of abuse as well as the sources of help available to them.

The NSPCC is currently running a two-week campaign on preventing child sexual abuse to help parents and carers across the UK learn more about the issue.

The social media-led campaign will explore steps everyone can take to prevent child sexual abuse by sharing the new resources and advice.

To arrange for the Speak Out. Stay Safe programme to visit your school, contact Gabriella Russo, Area Coordinator for Hillingdon, at gabriella.russo@nspcc.org.uk.

Adults with concerns about a child can call the NSPCC helpline 24/7 on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk .