Players and staff at Motherwell Football Club’s youth academy, are working with North Lanarkshire Child Protection Committee, to raise awareness about what we can all do to help keep North Lanarkshire’s children and young people safe.
We can all play our part by helping to make our communities safe nurturing places for children to grow up in. Listening to what children say to us, being alert to concerns and taking their worries seriously helps children and young people feel valued and respected and encourages them to speak up if they don’t feel safe.
The long-established partnership sees the youth academy continue to back the child protection message by displaying the Child Protection Committee logo on their tops throughout the season.
The club will also display prominent child protection messages around Fir Park, as well as information on how to report concerns. Motherwell FC will also promote important child protection messages through their social media and digital channels.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership between our academy and the Child Protection Committee,” Suzanne Reid, Commercial Director at Motherwell FC, said.
“Our particular focus this year will be on keeping children safe online, especially in social media, where we know our children and young people can be at risk of bullying, abuse and exploitation.
“Our academy players and coaches will work to spread the message of internet safety across our local area.”
Judith Tait, chair of the North Lanarkshire Child Protection Committee, added: ”Protecting our children from harm is everyone’s responsibility. We want our communities to take an active role in protecting children and promoting their rights to live safe and happy lives.
“We want to make sure that everyone understands how to help children say safe online, what to look out for and is confident that they know what to do if they are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person.
“Working with the academy at Motherwell Football Club, we can extend the reach of our message amongst those who might not otherwise hear it.”
If you are worried about something that is happening to your child or a child you know, please speak out.
You can contact a child’s health visitor or teacher, or contact the locality social work office or Police Scotland. All information shared is treated seriously and the first priority will always be to make sure the child is safe.
North Lanarkshire’s Public Protection website provides further information regarding how to respond to concerns about children: Public Protection North Lanarkshire - Public Protection NL