Dumfriesshire schools cluster fundraiser injects cash for safeguarding efforts
Staff from Dumfriesshire’s Langholm Academy and Canonbie School Cluster have demonstrated their commitment to child protection by raising £2,535 for the children’s charity, NSPCC. The funds were collected through their participation in the Great North Run earlier this month, providing much-needed support for the NSPCC’s schools service team in Dumfries and Galloway.
Tony Brown, the NSPCC schools co-ordinator in the region, expressed gratitude to the staff for their exceptional fundraising efforts. The donation comes at a crucial time as the charity seeks to recruit volunteers to expand its Speak Out, Stay Safe (SOSS) programme in schools across Scotland. The SOSS programme aims to educate children aged 5-11 on abuse prevention, empowerment, and safety rights.
In the 2023/24 academic year, over 62,000 children in 340 Scottish schools benefited from the SOSS programme. Through engaging activities and the mascot Buddy, children learn to recognise abuse, understand its forms, and know that they have the right to safety. The Langholm and Canonbie Cluster collaboration, established in 2013, has fostered a supportive educational environment for children in the region.
Headteacher Lauren McLean shared the staff’s enthusiasm for the Great North Run fundraiser, highlighting the community support and camaraderie experienced during the event. The NSPCC’s Schools Service team relies on dedicated volunteers to deliver the SOSS programme effectively. Mr Brown emphasised the ongoing need for volunteers to reach more schools and children in Scotland.
For those interested in volunteering opportunities with the NSPCC’s Schools Service team, further information can be found on the charity’s website. The collective efforts of Langholm Academy and Canonbie School Cluster serve as a testament to the community’s commitment to safeguarding children and promoting a culture of safety and awareness in schools.
This collaborative fundraising initiative not only provides financial support to the NSPCC but also underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to protect and empower children across Dumfriesshire. The dedication shown by the staff in raising funds and participating in the Great North Run reflects a shared commitment to the well-being and safety of children in the region.