AROUND 300 children in Cumbria are being monitored for neglect, according to the NSPCC.

And now the children’s charity is visiting every school in Barrow and south Cumbria to give assemblies to help children spot and come forward about their suspicions of neglect.

Last year, the NSPCC visited 116 schools in Cumbria, reaching 6,028 children to help them spot the signs of neglect so they can help address the issues.

Sally O’Donnell, the NSPCC Schools Service coordinator for Cumbria, said: “The assemblies we deliver are invaluable in letting children know they have the right to speak out and be safe from abuse and neglect.

“The NSPCC’s Christmas Appeal this year is raising awareness about neglect.

“Too often it goes unseen and unnoticed, leaving children feeling unloved, invisible and alone.

“The assemblies are designed to be age-appropriate and we find the children are extremely receptive and engaging.

“We have had children who have made disclosures following a Speak Out Stay Safe assembly, which is evidence that these sessions have an impact.”

Helen Westerman, NSPCC campaign manager for the North of England, said the organisations focus this Christmas in on neglect.

She added that raising awareness to children about the signs of neglect has been positive.

She said: “We try to reach every child in their school journey to help them if they are suffering from neglect.”

She said the assembles carried out leave a lasting impact and various helplines contact the NSPCC regarding children reporting abuse.

Mrs Westerman said: “Our helpline pushed over 1000 calls last year from Cumbria, which was alarming.

“Our assembles are designed to point children in the right direction if they are suffering from neglect in their lives.

The NSPCC has launched its new Light For Every Childhood appeal for Christmas, raising more awareness of neglect.

“Our Christmas appeal is all about neglect because it should be a happy time for children.

“But if you are in a house and experiencing neglect it is devastating.

“We have had calls from children who have been left alone on Christmas Day, which is horrible.

“We want to raise funds so we can contact children 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.”