Launch of online resources to help to keep Mayo children safe
An extensive new range of online resources has been launched to ensure that community and voluntary organisations throughout Mayo can provide safe and positive environments for young people accessing their services and activities.
The Safeguarding Children and Young People in Mayo Initiative features webinars, guidance videos, leaflets, draft resources, and posters that community and voluntary organisations can access free of charge.
“Safeguarding children and young people in Mayo is everyone’s business. Frequently, voluntary groups engaged in children’s activities, or individuals who work with children on a one-to-one basis, need assistance with their requirements.
"This web resource is designed to make it much easier for them to do so,” said Catherine McCloskey, chairperson of the Safeguarding Children and Young People Sub-Group of Mayo CYPSC, who led the development of this resource
“You can access various resources to help your organisations comply with your child and young person safeguarding requirements.
"The resources range from guidance videos, which explain how to develop these items for yourself, to leaflets and posters that you can adapt for use in your organisation.”
The resources, launched today in Castlebar Voluntary Social Services Centre, can be accessed here.
The launch was performed by Paddy Martin, area manager, Tusla.
“Every organisation working with children, even in a voluntary capacity, has certain compliance actions they must carry out. This can be onerous for volunteer-led groups,” added Jarlath Munnelly, Coordinator, Mayo CYPSC.
“We urge people involved in organisations to make use of the resources. Not alone will they save them time, but they will also have a powerful impact on the enjoyment and value of what they do," he concluded.
Paddy Martin, Tusla area manager for Mayo and CYPSC chairperson, said he welcomed the Safeguarding initiative as it would provide guidance and reassurance to organisations that work with children which in turn will provide reassurance to parents knowing their children can experience a safe and positive environment.
He thanked the Safeguarding Children and Young People Subgroup for their initiative in developing the briefings and pathways for organisations.