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One of the Jersey's key children's charities is bidding a fond farewell to a "professional, agile and compassionate" islander, who is retiring after 15 years dedicated to helping youngsters and their families through difficult times.
The NSPCC's Selina Winter was first appointed Children’s Service Practitioner in 2005, and in that time has seen the charity go all the way from working out of Samarès School to its current home at the Gower Centre.
Selina stated: “To see how NSPCC Jersey has expanded and been so successful is wonderful and I know I am leaving the team in great shape, which is very satisfying.”
Reflecting on how the charity has evolved, she looked back to her early days, where she explained that their “focus was on parenting and preparing children for starting school, which is very different from the types of services we run now that help children who have been sexually abused and provide support for expectant parents.”
Since 2015, Selina has led the team as Team Manager in delivering three evidence-based services, which continued operating virtually over lockdown:
As well as her team’s award win at the Children and Young People Now Awards in 2015, one of Selina’s proudest achievements is her PANTS campaign, helping adults explain to children how to stay safe from sexual abuse.
Pictured: The NSPCC supports children and families struggling with a number of wellbeing issues.
“Knowing that parents and professionals have the language and confidence to start early conversations with their children about how no one should ask to see or touch beneath their underwear, and hearing children singing and dancing to the Pantosaurus song is very rewarding and a reflection of the positive impact,” Selina said of the campaign.
Though Selina will be semi-retiring to live Devon, she emphasised how important the charity is to her, saying how she “will really miss the NSPCC Jersey team as they are such a dedicated and passionate group of people who only want the best for children and families.”
The feeling is mutual from the NSPCC, with Service Centre Manager, Jacky Moon, praising her work and legacy at the charity.
“Selina is going to be greatly missed for her professionalism, agility, compassion and sense of humour,” Jacky said. “Her focus has always centred on doing the very best for children and families and Jersey, and she has led and supported the team to do the same.”
“We will sorely miss her, but wish her every happiness in her next adventure and know she will always remain a sound supporter of the work of the NSPCC.”
Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free and confidential advice on 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk
Children can contact Childline for free on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk
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