The Mayor of Carlisle joined forces with the NSPCC last week to teach pupils at St. Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School how to recognise abuse and neglect.

Councillor Jessica Riddle, the city’s mayor, visited the school last Tuesday and was impressed with how the NSPCC approached the assembly.

“It was very good to watch the NSPCC at work,” said Mrs Riddle following the assembly.

“I didn’t know how they would get the message across to the children without being frightening or threatening but they managed to do so, in a very straight forward and simple way.”

Mrs Riddle was pleased with how the pupils received the assembly’s message.

“”They seemed very happy to speak out and make their comments.”

The NSPCC is one of Mrs Riddle’s chosen charities for her term as Mayor of Carlisle.

Chris Wilkins is the headteacher of St. Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School.

“ “Part of our service is to provide the children with an understanding of how to stay safe throughout their lives,

and it’s fantastic to work with the NSPCC, as we do on a regular basis.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we enable the children to live fulfilled and safe lives and the presentations have been a fantastic step towards that aim.”

The NSPCC assemblies, which have been taking place across the country, explain to school pupils how to identify a trusted adult. They also explained how to use the Childline phone service.

St. Cuthbert’s pupil Chanel Johnston, aged 10, said:

“I learnt a lot of new stuff. I think it’s important because if you don’t let your feelings out nobody is ever going to be able to help, and you’re going to get hurt.”

Pupil Jack Davison, also 10, added:

“I think it’s good advice for children to know, so that you don’t get bullied. And now I know the Childline number.”

Sally O’Donnell is the NSPCC Schools Service coordinator for Cumbria.

“The assemblies we deliver are invaluable in letting children know they have the right to speak out and be safe from abuse and neglect,” she said.

“Too often it goes unseen and unnoticed, leaving children feeling unloved, invisible and alone.”