Talk PANTS! parent virtual workshops dates announced

Following the success of the recent Talk PANTS! online workshops for registered childminders, homeschoolers and professionals, new dates have been announced for parental sessions.

Support the NSPCC campaign and sign up to a virtual parent workshop to learn about the materials and resources that can help shape simple conversations with your children with the help of a friendly, fun dinosaur called Pantosaurus. It’s specially created, with engaging and age-appropriate messages to help keep them safe from abuse.

The Orkney Public Protection Committee, Western Isles Child Protection Committee and Shetland Public Protection Committee joined with NSPCC Scotland to run the campaign. Since the launch in the autumn of 2021, Talk PANTS displays have been put on by Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service, in Kirkwall; Northlight Gallery, in Stromness; and Voluntary Action Orkney. Displays will also be shown by Stromness Library and Orkney Library.

During December Phoenix Cinema, in the Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall, played the NSPCC’s Pantosaurus film before all U-rated movies.

Throughout January, the NSPCC held virtual workshops for professionals, including those who work in health, education, and early years, to help them learn about the campaign’s materials and resources. They in turn can become champions in sharing the campaign’s messages with parents and carers and children.

Schools have begun sharing the Talk PANTS! messages with children thanks to the widespread donations of copies of the NSPCC’s new book, Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS. These books have also been shared with libraries, and key agencies such as Women’s Aid Orkney, the Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service, and Voluntary Action Orkney, to ensure the book is read and shared by as many parents and carers with young children as possible.

The materials also contain guides for parents, including one translated into Gaelic for distribution in the Western Isles; a British Sign Language PANTS video; and a Pantosaurus film. There are also guides for foster carers and parents with learning disabilities and resources for teachers to use in primary schools.

Anyone can find out how to Talk PANTS! on the NSPCC’s website.

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC’s free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000 for advice. Children can contact Childline about any worries on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk.

Parents - to register for one of the sessions visit Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/inter-island-talk-pants-parent-familiarisation-sessions-tickets-324838118557