New campaign launched to help keep children safe at clubs and activities in South Tyneside

The borough is the only part of the North East chosen for a new pilot scheme, which is being launched by South Tyneside Safeguarding Children and Adults Partnership in partnership with the National Working Group (NWG) – a leading national charity tackling child exploitation.

The Safe to Play campaign will see a series of interactive cards given out offering advice to parents, carers and coaches to help them ask the right questions before allowing their children to take part in sports clubs or activities such as drama or dance.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, deputy leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Leisure and Culture, said supporting families is one of the authority’s core priorities.

“There has been a lot of publicity in the national news recently about the abuse that can occur in clubs outside of school,” she said.

“We want our young people to enjoy activities and be fit and healthy but we all have a duty to make sure the environments they train in are safe.”

The pocket-sized cards can be scanned with a mobile phone or tablet which then takes people to a range of digital resources designed to promote positive safeguarding messages.

Councillor Adam Ellison, lead member for Children Young People and Families, said: “These resources give parents and carers more confidence to ask the right questions before allowing their children to sign up to activities outside school and challenge anything which may not seem right.

“I would encourage as many parents and carers as possible to get involved with the scheme to make sure play is safe in South Tyneside.”

Anyone wishing to find out more about the scheme can sign up to a virtual session via Microsoft Teams which will be held on Tuesday June 8 between 1.15pm and 3.15pm and Thursday June 10 between 6pm and 8pm.

People are asked to reserve a place by emailing [email protected]

Free training for bystanders watching sports or activities their children are taking part in will follow later in the year.

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