Children's champion Dame Esther Rantzen visits NSPCC service in Jersey
Dame Esther Rantzen says more needs to be done in Jersey to empower children to speak out about abuse.
She made the comment during her two-day visit to the island's NSPCC service.
The founder and president of Childline spoke to members of the charity's youth participation group, United Voices, to hear about challenges facing young people today.
She also spoke to staff about a new scheme called 'Letting the Future In' that supports victims of sexual abuse, following the Independent Care Inquiry.
In an interview with ITV Channel's Jess Dunsdon, Dame Esther Rantzen opened up about her experience of postnatal depression and how vital it is to help new parents.
She said she has been particularly impressed by the charity's local programme 'Baby Steps' which are antenatal classes that help prepare all mums and dads for their new role caring for their baby.
WATCH: The full interview with Dame Esther Rantzen...
Baby Steps is a programme for all parents before and after the birth of their baby. It supports future mums and dads to know how to care for their baby, reduce the stress and improve the lives of their babies.
The programme starts with a home visit in the 7th month of pregnancy and then includes 6 group sessions in the run-up to the birth of a baby.
After babies are born, there is another home visit and then 3 more group sessions.
The sessions are led by someone who works in children's services.
Letting the Future In is a programme, run in Jersey since 2017, to support victims of sexual abuse.
It is specifically designed for children between the ages of 4-17.
Three or four weekly sessions are held in special play therapy rooms to encourage children to express how they are feeling.
Parents and carers are also offered support to help their children feel safe.
The sessions are delivered by social work professionals and funded by Health and Social Services.
Services & Helplines
NSPCC (Jersey)
The Gower Centre in St Helier are there to support Jersey families when they need help.
You can call NSPCC on 01534 760800 or 0800 090 2270.
Barnardo's (Jersey and Guernsey)
If you would like to talk to a member of the Plan B team you can call 01534 510546, email planbjersey@barnardos.org.uk.
If you would like to talk to a member at The Hub, Guernsey you can call 01481 724421.
Childline say that if you are worried about anything, big or small, don’t bottle it up. They say it can really help to talk to someone and that if there’s something on your mind, they are there for you.
You can call on 0800 11 11.