Primary schools pupils in Argyll and Bute have helped the local Child Protection Committee (CPC) to keep children safe and protected by designing posters to raise awareness of the issue.

When Fiona Blakey, Argyll and Bute Council cultural co-ordinator heard that the CPC wanted to update their public information, she turned the idea into a project for primary schools.

Pupils throughout the area were asked to think about what messages they would give to people about protecting children at home, at school and in the community.

Five designs were selected, and have now been made into bright public information posters which are being displayed in public buildings and offices across Argyll and Bute.

Each colourful poster highlights in a memorable way the fact that everyone has a role to play in protecting children.

The winning poster designs came from:

Emily Hunter, P7 Taynuilt Primar School :  (Title: Abuse is no use)

Scott Summers – previously Taynuilt Primary School, now S1 Oban High School (Title: Drugs and alcohol no way)

Katie Houston – previously Taynuilt Primary School, now S1 Oban High School (Title: Keep me away from bullies)

Poppy Wilkinson – previously Taynuilt Primary School, now S1 Oban High School (Title: Computer use could be abuse)

Shona Scott, P7 Luss Primary School – (Title: I want to be Happy not Sad)

Each of the young artists has received professionally printed samples of their work, with the pupils who had moved on to secondary school returning to their primary school for the presentation.

Argyll and Bute Children’s Champion Councillor Mary-Jean Devon and Head of Argyll and Bute Council’s Children and Families Service Louise Long made the presentations to Scott, Emily, Katie and Poppy at Taynuilt Primary School on 13 November.

Councillor Devon and David Bain, Quality Improvement Officer with Argyll and Bute Council’s Education Service and member of Argyll and Bute Child Protection Committee made the presentation to Shona at Luss Primary School on 20 November.

If you are worried about a child or young person you know, please contact 01546 605517 and share your concerns with people who can offer help and support. For more information please visit www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/abcpc