Corrie's Chris Harper visit schools with NSPCC

Chris Harper, who plays Nathan Curtis in Coronation Street, recently visited Heathfield Nursery and Infant and Junior Schools with the NSPCC.

Chris told the Richmond Guardian: “Abuse can be a difficult subject to tackle with children but the NSPCC’s Speak Out. Stay Safe service proves it can be done in an age appropriate and sensitive way.

“I’m really proud to support the service and it’s been a great pleasure to help the charity in its work to empower children to spot the signs of abuse.”

Having worked with the charity before to prepare for his role in the ITV soap, which involved grooming and sexually exploiting 17-year-old Bethany Platt, he wanted to get involved with the workshops being provided.

“Researching my role for Coronation Street opened my eyes to abuse and the suffering of victims and it also made me realise we all have a role to play in protecting children,” added the actor.

To find out more about the scheme and support service visit nspcc.org.uk/schools.

Children and young people can contact Childline for free confidential support and advice 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk.

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Lucy Fallon visits NSPCC Childline

Lucy Fallon, who plays Coronation Street's Bethany Platt, visited the NSPCC's Childline offices yesterday, to  hear how their counsellors help grooming victims.

Lucy said that it had been "quite overwhelming" hearing how many children used Childline and described the service as "crucial” for those who were vulnerable like Bethany.

She added: “Talking to counsellors has really made it hit home that there are real-life Bethany’s out there who need help. I hope by tackling such an important issue on Coronation Street we can help raise awareness and encourage victims to speak out.”

Childline Service Manager, Anna Krala, said: “It’s great to see a soap like Coronation Street highlighting abuse and hopefully giving victims the courage to seek help.”

Read our Blogger Jordan's interview with Lucy Fallon.

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Coronation Street praised by charities for grooming storyline

Charities have been praising Coronation Street for its grooming storyline about Bethany and Nathan. 

BBC News reports that Ofcom have received one complaint but children's charity Barnardo's has praised the soap for "shining a light on this serious but little discussed issue".

A spokesman for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) told the BBC: "Soaps play an important part in highlighting abuse and in giving victims the courage to speak out. We hope it will raise awareness of the signs of grooming and encourage more victims to come forward and seek help."

The NSPCC has been working with Coronation Street producers on the storyline and had put the show's writers in touch with a survivor of child grooming.

Javed Khan, chief executive of Barnardo's, acknowledged some viewers would be uneasy but said it would raise awareness about the issue.

"This storyline makes for difficult watching but it's important as many people as possible are aware of the signs of grooming, so we can prevent this abuse happening," he said.

"Like Bethany's character, the young victims of this crime mistakenly think these child sex abusers care for them because they're often showered with presents and attention."

Coronation Street producer Kate Oates told the BBC: "Bethany's story has been crafted over many months, to create an awareness for viewers about the dangers of grooming. Bethany's story is a challenging watch, but we hope it will encourage open discussion amongst friends and families about self-esteem, confidence and most importantly, safety."

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