New NSPCC signs in Central Park urge community to 'break the taboo'
The signs follow a long-running project working with families across the city
Plymouth's Central Park now has new signs up - from the NSPCC - urging people to 'Break the Taboo' of abuse against children.
It's after a project in the Ernesettle area - encouraging those who've been affected to come forwards and stop incidents remaining hidden - which is now being extended in other parts of the city.
Shelley Shaw, Together for Childhood Plymouth Development Manager, said: “We are delighted to have these new signs up in such a prominent location as Central Park.
"We really want to encourage people to have the confidence to Break the Taboo and speak out about child sexual abuse.
“By working with the community and encouraging conversations we want to help protect children from sexual abuse and keep them safe whilst also helping those who have been affected by child sexual abuse.
“We are grateful to Plymouth City Council for their assistance in creating the signs and locating them in Central Park.”
"The Breaking the Taboo signs have been developed by community members from Ernesettle, who are committed to preventing child sexual abuse and felt the messaging was important as they understand that child sexual abuse thrives in secrecy. The aim of the signs is to increase communication about child sexual abuse prevention and provide access to more information.
"They are all part of Together for Childhood’s efforts to encourage the local community in Plymouth to work together to prevent child sexual abuse. The project has been working in Ernesettle for the last five years and is now starting work in Stonehouse and Honicknowle in the city."
Any adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]
Children can access help and support by calling Childline on 0800 1111 or go to childline.org.uk