IT ISN’T the conventional classroom conversation.

Generally, sensitive subjects are more easily skirted around than addressed, but in recent years – and in the light of the abuse scandals that have dominated news headlines – it is imperative that such issues don’t become taboo and that they are constantly brought to the fore and tackled.

Launched in November 2012, the ChildLine Schools Service is helping to do just that. Developed with child protection specialists alongside children, parents, carers and teachers, youngsters are being encouraged to share their feelings and talk about issues affecting them or someone they know with the help of Buddy.

The cuddly character isn’t just the face of this free service, he represents a speech bubble and his mission, along with the volunteers he accompanies delivering this free service around schools, is to encourage youngsters to speak out.

Today Buddy is accompanying ChildLine Schools service volunteers, Jo Worsnop and Sarah Fairlamb to workshops they are running with Year 5 pupils at Newhall Primary School in Bradford.

His presence causes a buzz of excitement. “Everyone knows who Buddy is, they love him,” is the general feedback.

Having met Buddy in a previous assembly, the children instantly identify the loveable bubble and he is proving to be a vital tool in delivering the message that every child has the right to be happy and safe.

During the hour-long workshop, children are asked to give a thumbs up, down or in-between response to scenarios touching on issues such as bullying, neglect and sexual abuse.

Special ‘Buddy Kits’ are also distributed for the youngsters to fill in. Throughout the sessions great emphasis is placed on children being able to talk about things to a ‘trusted adult,’ or alternatively, ChildLine, a confidential service they can call at any time, on any day, about anything. Yes, anything.

“They are just honest and they are savvy,” says Jo, referring to youngsters she works with.

Redundancy from her previous employment in banking gave Jo the opportunity to pursue a career working with children. “I’d always wanted to work with children but not to teach.”

Inspired by the charity and its cause Jo joined ChildLine a year ago. Working mainly around schools within her home city of Bradford, Jo sees first-hand the benefits the service brings, principally in educating youngsters about where they can get help if they need it.

“It is educating the children that if this was happening to you, or someone you know, you can speak out in a safe way.”

And for the volunteers it is a rewarding role. “It is the most satisfying thing I have ever done,” says Sarah.

She left her job as a senior manager for a mail order firm to spend more time with her children. She’d already volunteered in a school and found out about the ChildLine Schools Service through Facebook.

“I have met lots of people, either people who are training to be teachers, or who have been teachers, people who have no experience at all,” says Sarah. Volunteers come from all walks of life and don’t necessarily need any particular experience.

All they need is to have the passion to help young people and the ability to dedicate some spare time to volunteer. The service is particularly ideal for the retired or part-time workers who are able to combine volunteering with their career.

“You need, ultimately, to be able to be confident enough to stand up in front of a class of children and be passionate about it and to want to make a difference,” adds Jo.

A spokesman for Newhall Park Primary says: “I think it is good for the children to talk about these issues and if they do have any concerns it gives them the information that they can tell a trusted adult or call ChildLine.”

Volunteers are led by trained, DBS-checked volunteers and the service is looking to recruit around 10 more to cover Bradford and the surrounding area.

ChildLine schools service area co-ordinator for Bradford, Michelle Poucher, says, “Volunteers are key to the delivery of this exciting new service so it is vital that local people come forward to help us achieve the aim of protecting future generations in their community.” Volunteers must be over 16. No experience is necessary and full training is given.

To volunteer with the ChildLine Schools Service, visit nspcc.org.uk/schoolsservice where you can apply online. Primary schools wanting to work with the service can contact Michelle Poucher on 07834 498 354 or email michelle.poucher@nspcc.org.uk