St Mirren chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick has gone back to school to show his support for a children’s charity.

Tony joined NSPCC Scotland at St Catherine’s Primary, in Paisley, to highlight the charity’s ground-breaking ‘Speak Out, Stay Safe’ programme.

NSPCC research shows that, on average, at least two children in every primary school classroom will have suffered some form of abuse or neglect.

Speak Out, Stay Safe assembly presentations help children, in an age-appropriate way, to understand abuse in all its forms and recognise the signs that it is happening, learn how to protect themselves and recognise how to get help, including from the NSPCC’s Childline service.

As well as specially-trained volunteers and staff, the charity’s mascot Buddy is also on hand during the assemblies to highlight to children the importance of speaking to a trusted adult or Childline about issues including abuse, neglect or bullying.

Interactive discussions and videos used during the assemblies gave the children help and tips on how to discuss and explore what constitutes harmful behaviour.

Tony, who is also author of the Babakoochi Bear children’s books, said: “At St Mirren, we love the link with NSPCC Scotland because we are a family and community club. We care for the whole community and children are a big part of that.

"The NSPCC’s message of encouraging children to speak out to stay safe is a fantastic one.

“I remember being bullied when I was a child at school. I was frightened to tell anyone but I eventually did. I confided in my mum and it was the best thing I did as it got everything sorted out.

“I had gone through nine months of hell, so the message is that you are never alone. Go and speak to someone you trust or speak to Childline.

“In my books, wherever Babakoochi goes he has his grandfather with him. Babakoochi shares everything with his grandfather, including all his fears.

"It’s important that children have an adult or service like Childline to turn to for help.”

Rose Estelles, NSPCC Scotland's schools service area co-ordinator, added: “Delivering our Speak Out, Stay Safe assembly to pupils in St Catherine’s Primary School for the first time has been a wonderful experience.

“We are so grateful for the input and support of Tony Fitzpatrick and St Mirren Football Club in making this such a success.

“We have already reached many primary schools throughout Renfrewshire but, building on today’s success, we have the ambition to reach even more schools and to empower and build resilience in all young people in this area.”

St Catherine's Primary is a 'Rights Respecting School', which means its young people learn about children’s rights and puts them into practice.

Headteacher Emma Henry said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with the NSPCC to promote these rights, through interactive and engaging assemblies and workshops which ensure our young people know how to stay safe and access support.”