Safe Strong & Free Project

The Safe Strong and Free Project (SSF) is a Primary Abuse Prevention Program. It is a Highland charity which aims to reduce the vulnerability of young children to abuse and assault.

Children attend a program of interactive puppet workshops to teach them strategies to use which will help them stay safe if they encounter bullying, an approach from a stranger or an unwanted/inappropriate approach from an adult they know. They are then given short story books that reinforce the messages.

The messages are delivered in a series of four workshops; Safety Network, Bullying, Strangers, and Secrets. Children are supported to create their ‘Safety Network’ – adults they trust to keep them safe. We help children identify what is safe/unsafe and how the body may let them know they are unsafe. The activities and communication style are intended to accommodate children’s varied needs and abilities.

Our program is designed to:

• Raise awareness of the vulnerability of children with ASN.
• Help children gain the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe.
• Ensure children feel confident to tell and can identify a trusted grown-up.