Janice works with children and animals… and is making a difference

‘NEVER work with children or animals’ is a showbiz phrase often quoted, but Janice Blakley is doing exactly that – and proving the old quip very wrong!

As well as spending more than 21 years working for NSPCC Northern Ireland’s Schools Service as the schools coordinator, the Omagh woman has also spent an equal amount of time as a volunteer with Grovehill Animal Trust, helping to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome cats and dogs.

The former teacher’s role with NSPCC NI sees her manage a team of volunteers who deliver the ‘Speak out Stay Safe’ (SOSS) programme to pupils in primary schools all over the North.

The child-friendly programme is specially-designed to help children aged five to 11 understand how to recognise abuse in all its forms using age-appropriate workshops. It also gives pupils opportunities to speak out about any issues so they can get help if they need it.

Janice explained that the workshops are vital.

Volunteers needed

“I’m very passionate about animal welfare, and also the integral role NSPCC NI’s Schools Service plays in helping protect children and young people from abuse,” Janice said. “It gives them the information and the tools to help keep safe.”

With the help of speech bubble mascot, Buddy, the sessions cover these difficult subjects without using scary words or adult language, and help children identify a safe adult they can talk to if they are ever worried about themselves or a friend.

They also learn about Childline and how it can support them.

“Without volunteers, we simply wouldn’t be able to offer the ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’ programme” Janice said. “And, as 2024 gets underway, we desperately need more volunteers across all regions in Northern Ireland, but we especially need volunteers in Tyrone and Fermanagh.

“You don’t need any specific experience or qualifications – our volunteers come from all backgrounds.

“You just have to be over 16, and be able to commit to least two schools a month that are located convenient to you.

“We’re currently running no-obligation online information sessions where you can hear about the work of an SOSS volunteer, the training and support offered and ask any questions you may have.”

Janice stresses that as well as helping to keep children safe, there can be lots of personal benefits in becoming a SOSS volunteer.

‘Empowering children’

“Empowering children and making them aware of who they can turn to if they ever feel worried or sad is both a great responsibility, but also very rewarding,” she says.

“Gaining experience and new skills are just a few more benefits and there’s a great team spirit.

“We appreciate that some people may find standing up in front of a room full of children quite daunting, but our volunteers are supported every step of the way.

‘From the application form, interview, online training to face-to-face training, they are mentored on an ongoing basis.

“Training is in-depth and feedback from volunteers is a vital part of the Schools Team.

‘And once out in schools they have the support of competent, fully trained volunteers. Volunteers deliver the programme in pairs and are given a script to follow.”

Janice added that the pupils really enjoy meeting the volunteers – and Buddy, of course – and engaging in the sessions.

“School staff really appreciate the visits too as they understand the importance of helping to keep children safe,” the Omagh woman continued. “We know that lots of children do speak out as a result, and we know that there are a lot of children who didn’t realise that what was going on for them was wrong until we went in and delivered our SOSS service.

“That’s why it’s vital that the service operates at full capacity and why we are appealing for more people to get in touch and find out more about becoming one of our volunteers.

“Knowing that you are playing a small part in making a difference gives you a sense of pride. You leave each school feeling like you’ve done something good.”

Self-funded animal charity

Outside of work, Janice loves being outdoors walking with her dogs which she rescued from Grovehill Animal Trust, of course.

“Grovehill is an entirely self-funded charity in Sixmilecross, Omagh run by a small team of staff and dedicated volunteers, who rescue and rehome unwanted cats and dogs.

“As an independent charity, we rely on donations from the public to keep our doors open.

“We also have a charity shop at 1 Foundry Lane, Omagh. We are in constant need of foster homes, and would welcome anyone who would be interested in volunteering at the shelter or in our shop.

“WC Field’s quote, ‘Never work with animals or children’, is actually misunderstood,” continuned Janice. “He didn’t mean that working with children and animals was difficult… he was warning that children and animals will always steal the show.

“And they do, and that’s fine by me!” she laughed.