Ernesettle community recognised for the ‘real difference’ they’re making as part of Together for Childhood

A Plymouth community has been recognised for the positive difference they are making to protect local children with their involvement in a programme of work helping to prevent child sexual abuse. 

Residents of Ernesettle have been at the heart of Together for Childhood since its public launch in October 2018, keen to do everything they can to ensure that children are protected from harm and lead the way in keeping children safe across Plymouth.

Community Engagement Lead for NSPCC, Jacky Wood said: “Without the incredible support of the Ernesettle community, Together for Childhood would not be making the progress it is to help safeguard children.

“Working together, we’re ensuring adults in the community feel confident protecting children and informed about where to go should they ever be concerned about the welfare of a child.

“This programme is breaking down the taboos of speaking about abuse and when simple messages are reinforced throughout a community it makes a huge difference.”

Community members and groups were recognised for their commitment to Together for Childhood at two special celebration events. Dozens of community members and professionals attended the events at the Parkway Social Club on Wednesday 26 February, and St Aiden’s Church on Thursday 27 February.

Awards were presented by Cabinet member for Children and Young People at Plymouth City Council, Jemima Laing, and Strategic Service Manager at NSPCC in Plymouth, Oliver Mackie. 

Individual residents were praised for their contribution, and Space Shot Youth Group, Exim Dance, Ernesettle Community Primary School, High View School and community group Tea and Toast were all presented with accolades for their pivotal support for the programme, which ensures the safety of children is embedded in every layer of the community.

Bears with pants knitted by members of the community have become a familiar sight, and a useful conversation starter as part of the city’s #TalkPANTS campaign that forms part of Together for Childhood.

Community members Val Snedden, Laraine Jones, Margaret Hilton, and Val Wonnacott were recognised for the hundreds of pairs of pants they have knitted for Together for Childhood.

Val Sneddon said: “It was lovely to receive an award for my work with Together for Childhood, it has taken pride of place on my wall underneath pictures of my family.”

Margaret added: “I was shocked to be presented with this award, but I am very proud of it.”

Sally Walker from Ernesettle Neighbourhood Forum has championed Together for Childhood from the beginning, sitting on the panel for the initial bid on behalf of her community.

She says: “It was great to see the Tea and Toasters recognised for their knitting. How the NSPCC and Together for Childhood have become part of our community here in Ernesettle is great.”

As well as members of the local community, voluntary groups and school, partners include Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Safeguarding Children Board, Devon & Cornwall Police, Livewell South West, and Barnardo’s.

Alison Sargeant was another community member recognised for her own involvement in the programme. She said: “The profound film with Emily set in Ernesettle will surely start conversations nationwide. I will follow with proud interest the results of the seed planted here in Ernesettle together for the ease of talking about child abuse past, present and future.

“My appreciation certificate was totally unexpected. I want to do everything I can to help Together for Childhood. Being part of a community and seeing communities come together is how I was brought up and how I saw my parents being, always there for anyone who wanted to talk to them.”

Councillor Jemima Laing said: “It’s fantastic to celebrate the community in Ernesettle, who have come together to talk about this very difficult topic and really engaged with the Together for Childhood programme.

“I’d like to congratulate all of the highly-deserving winners who have all done some brilliant work to break down boundaries and open up conversations, which is so important to help us all protect children from sexual abuse.”

Plymouth is one of two city’s piloting the NSPCC’s Together for Childhood programme.