NSPCC CYMRU staff and volunteers shared key safety messages with hundreds of parents, carers, and children at the Eisteddfod yr Urdd in Llandovery this year.
From their designated stand on the Maes, they handed out thousands of stickers, badges and balloons to children and hundreds of information booklets to parents to support them in discussing key messages with their children.
Nearly all the conversations at the event, which ran from May 29 to June 3, were in Welsh with NSPCC Cymru ensuring at least two Welsh speakers were on the Maes each day.
Among the attractions was the NSPCC’s friendly dinosaur Pantosaurus, who is popular with younger children.
The bright yellow character encourages parents, carers, and teachers to Talk PANTS, which is a simple conversation to help keep young children safe abuse. It helps children understand that their body belongs to them, and they should tell someone they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.
NSPCC Cymru’s National Relationships Manager, Dan O’Keefe, said; “The Eisteddfod yr Urdd was a great week for us. Pantosaurus made several appearances over the week having photos taken with young children and raising awareness of our PANTS safety messages.
“We also spoke to potential volunteers for the School Service and Childline, highlighting our aim to increase the Welsh language services offered by the NSPCC.
“I’d like to thank the Eisteddfod organisers for allowing us a pitch on the Maes. The public response to our presence was overwhelmingly positive. We spoke to many children and young people and were able to promote Childline and the other services that NSPCC Cymru provides.”