A singing contestant from The Voice went along to a school in Hounslow to help encourage children to speak out against abuse.

Stacey Skeete's, who reached the semi-final of the popular ITV show, spent a day at Hounslow Heath Infant and Nursery School last week with volunteers from the NSPCC - the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

The former music teacher at Yeading Junior School in Hillingdon saw for herself how the Speak Out Stay Safe service is being delivered to help children find their voice.

Along with speech bubble mascot Buddy, specially trained volunteers help children aged four to 11 recognise the signs of abuse, how to protect themselves and who to turn to for help.

Stacey Skeete with Speak Out. Stay Safe mascot Buddy

Watch all about Stacey's visit to the school to raise awareness for the service.

The singer songwriter from Harrow said: “I’m very proud to assist and support the NSPCC’s Speak Out. Stay Safe [campaign].

“NSPCC research shows that on average at least two children in every primary school classroom will have suffered some form of abuse or neglect – a truly shocking statistic."

She continued: "But, either through fear or a lack of information, most children do not seek help or tell anyone what is happening until they are much older.

“Thankfully this service is giving children the knowledge and self-confidence to speak out and hopefully prevent abuse before it starts."

Stacey Skeete with Head Teacher Ms Kathryn Harper-Quinn, and Deputy Head Teachers Mrs Helena Bush and Mrs Patricia Stack with the Year 2 pupils at Hounslow Heath Infant and Nursery School

The initiative was launched in 2011 after research revealed most children contacting Childline were over the age of 11, with many saying the abuse had started years before they reached out for help.

Last year (2016/17), the NSPCC’s Speak Out. Stay Safe service was delivered to 3,660 children at eight different schools across Hounslow. The charity is calling on more schools across London to sing up to the free service.

Stacey Skeete with the NSPCC’s Schools Service Area Co-ordinator Gabriella Russo and Speak Out. Stay Safe volunteers Liz Nicholls (L) and Janice Hedges (R)

Gabriella Russo, who runs the service in West London, said: “It is imperative we all work together to safeguard children.

"By delivering the Speak Out. Stay Safe service to every school across the country we could prevent children from experiencing abuse, one generation at a time.”

Arrange for the Speak Out. Stay Safe service to visit your school or email gabriella.russo@nspcc.org.uk.

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