NSPCC visit an '˜eye opener' for Peterborough United stars

The children’s charity hosted goalkeeper Aaron Chapman, defenders Rhys Bennett and Tyler Denton and club chief executive Bob Symns at its service centre in Peterborough last Thursday, with players and staff witnessing first-hand how an innovative service called Protect and Respect helps to safeguard young people from child sexual exploitation in the city.

Practitioners were on hand to discuss their work and how the one-to-one service, which has helped 78 young people from Peterborough in the last 16 months, benefits children.

Aaron said: “It was a real eye opener and I think it is important that we try and get the message out there that the NSPCC are there to help in Peterborough.

“We are in a fortunate place as footballers, and anything we can do to help we will.”

NSPCC Peterborough team manager Karen Garvie said: “It was very exciting to have Peterborough United players visit our service centre to see first-hand the work we are doing and help us raise awareness of child sexual exploitation.”