Kidscape

Kidscape is pleased to announce that it has appointed Paula Timms as its new CEO.

Paula is an experienced strategic leader within the children's sector across the UK. She has worked in charity and local government organisations, within Early Year Childcare, Education, Family Support and Mental Health services. Paula is passionate about fairness and equality for all, championing children's rights and working to create a world where all children and young people can thrive.

Paula joins Kidscape as Chief Executive Officer from Children in Wales, the national charity in Wales championing Children's Rights and UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child), where she was Director of Business Development and Delivery. Paula joined the organisation in March 2021. Previous to joining Children in Wales, Paula worked for Barnardo's UK developing their health strategy and Merthyr Tydfil CBC leading on poverty prevention programmes.

Paula also currently holds a trustee position on the Professional Association of Childcare and Early Years PACEY board across England and Wales and is an active member of the NHS CAMHS National Advisory Board for Wales and the Welsh Government’s Nyth/NEST Whole School Approach Steering Group. She is also a volunteer of a small Cardiff-based Youth Charity, #TheGlovesAreOn.

Paula said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Kidscape as CEO to help realise the vision for all children to grow up safe from bullying and harm in schools, communities and online."

She added: "The quality of support Kidscape offers to children, young people, parents, carers and teachers is amazing. At a time when children are facing their greatest challenges, Kidscape will continue to provide a beacon of hope, ensuring that all children have a happy and healthy childhood."

Ian Joseph, Kidscape's Chair, said: 'I am delighted that Paula is joining Kidscape. She has over 25 years of experience across early years provision, education, family support, prevention programmes, safeguarding, training, mental health, and children's rights. Her national work with Barnardo's and Children in Wales gives her real insight into the breadth and depth of our work. We cannot wait for her to join!'

Paula will take up the role on 11 September.

Kidscape has won the Most Dedicated Anti-Bullying Organisation 2023 - South East England from Acquisition International.

The Award recognises our contribution to supporting children and families impacted by bullying.

Acquisition International says that the organisations they selected to win each "put the welfare of individuals before all else, and it shows. The compassion and action we have seen is tremendous, and we are proud to present our winners to the world."

Acquisition International prides itself on the validity of its awards and winners. All awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.

Kidscape was so delighted to be a finalist in the Smiley Movement Charity Film Awards 2023 held last week at the Odean Cinema in Leicester Square but then won the BRONZE award in the £350,000- £1million category with our film - 'What does Strong mean to you?' shot with our brilliant partners, Giants Live, during their Worlds Strongest Man Arena tour last year.  Being strong doesn't just mean looking tough on the outside. Even the world's strongest men need a helping hand now and again.

At Kidscape, we wanted to debunk the idea that strength means facing situations alone. Whether you're facing bullying at school, or training to be the World's Strongest Man, it's ok to reach out and get help.

That's why we made this film with our partners at Giants Live. We aim to show children what strength really means - and that, if you're experiencing bullying, Kidscape is here for you.

You can see the film here: https://smileycharityfilmawards.com/videos/what-does-strong-mean-to-you-kidscape-with-giants-live