Farmer’s wife Faye Colquhoun has dedicated her life to keeping Scotland’s children safe as a volunteer with the NSPCC.
As well as being a Childline Volunteer, the mum-of-three goes into schools encouraging youngsters not to be afraid to speak out if they are experiencing abuse at home or in their communities.
Faye, 42, from Inverbervie, Aberdeenshire, who also sat on the Children’s Panel for 13 years, is determined to do what she can to protect the nation’s most vulnerable kids.
The former teacher’s selfless devotion to helping the country’s young people has earned her a Scotland’s Champions Award nomination in the Community Champion category.
Faye, who gave up teaching 11 years ago to raise her daughters Evie, 14, Lexi, 13 and Orla, nine, said: “I spent a lot of years sitting on the Children’s Panel.
“Sometimes I found that a bit frustrating because I was only getting involved when the kids had gotten into difficulty so when I saw an advert on social media for the ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’ schools programme I knew I just had to volunteer.
“I thought, I still have a brain and professional skills that I worked really hard for and I don’t want that to go to waste. I wanted to do something good, but I knew I’d also get something out of it because it would help to keep my confidence up in case I ever wanted to return to work.
“It also maintained a link with my previous life as a teacher because I could keep going into schools, sit in the staff room, meet new people, and build that rapport with the kids. I missed all that when I left teaching.
“Becoming a volunteer provided me with a lot of opportunities and experiences too, so it was win-win.”
Faye, who spent 10 years teaching at Westerhill and Laurencekirk Primary Schools, added: “We are teaching the children really important skills. Our aim is to help them recognise when something like abuse or neglect is happening to them or their friends that is not okay, and to be able to speak about it.
“We give the children the language they need to talk about sexual or emotional abuse and we try to break down barriers and taboos by talking about it with them. I think that’s really valuable.
“Our message is that they have to speak out when something doesn’t feel right and we explain how they can do this by identifying a ‘safe adult’ they can talk to if they are worried about something they are experiencing or they’re concerned about a friend or classmate.
“We also highlight the services available to them including the NSPCC’s Childline service. If we can enable one child to step forward and say this is happening to me then it’s such a worthwhile programme."
Faye, who has been going into schools in Aberdeenshire and Angus for five years, admitted juggling her home life and volunteering can be hard but every minute is worth it.
The champion volunteer, who helps look after their farm’s donkeys, sheep and goats, said: “With all the plates I’m spinning on the farm and raising my daughters it does take a bit of organising to fit being a volunteer into your life, but I think the benefits far outweigh any hassle.
“Once I get into schools I immediately remember why I’m doing this, it feels very worthwhile and I always leave feeling uplifted.
“The children give you so much back and they are always very engaged in the sessions because the material’s really good.
“Every single child is different and you never know what you’re going to get each time you deliver a session, so I’m constantly learning.”
Faye, who spent lockdown answering emails for Childline, is calling for more volunteers to get involved in the Speak Out Stay Safe schools programme.
She said: “The NSPCC’s training is excellent and your supervisor and fellow volunteers are always on hand to support you.
“My co-ordinator is always very grateful, she often thanks me and encourages me – for example she’ll say ‘that’s another 99 children you spoke to today!’ which is very motivating!
“I would urge anyone who is remotely interested in becoming a volunteer – they should absolutely go for it if they can.
“If they are able to give some of their time to do this, it’s such an important job and you get back so much more than you put in.”
Do you know someone as worthy as Faye? As we continue our search for the unsung heroes of 2023, we want you to tell us about the people you know who selflessly go above and beyond to help friends, families and communities.
David Dick, editor-in-chief of Reach (Scotland), said: “Champions come in every shape and size. They rarely seek attention, yet what they do changes and transforms the lives of others - whether that’s in one simple act or a lifetime’s work. Scotland’s Champions is a celebration of their achievements so please keep the nominations coming.”
The awards will be handed out on September 16 at a glittering ceremony in the DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow Central, attended by celebrities, sports stars, politicians and all the nominees.
Nominations close next week so there is not much time left to highlight your local heroes.
To nominate, go to www. scotlandschampions.co.uk. Nominations close on June 26.
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