MEDIA RELEASE
7 October 2011

Bridgette O’Sullivan named an ambassador for child abuse prevention organisation

Child abuse prevention organisation, Child Matters, announced today that Bridgette O’Sullivan has agreed to act as an ambassador for the organisation.

Child Matters is the only organisation in New Zealand solely focused on child abuse prevention. It works to prevent child abuse by speaking up for New Zealand children, while also educating adults to know what to look for and what to do when they suspect abuse.

CEO, Anthea Simcock, says “Bridgette has a passion for children and believes in our mission to inspire New Zealanders to make sure that every child flourishes in an environment safe from all abuse.

“Bridgette truly wants to make a difference in the lives of New Zealand children and we value her commitment and energy. In addition to her high profile, she has a lot of insight, skills and expertise that will be invaluable to us as she becomes an integral part of our organisation.

“Child Matters’ strategy is to get the message of child abuse prevention out as far and wide as we can to all sectors of society. Having Bridgette as an ambassador will help us achieve this goal,” explains Mrs Simcock.

Bridgette is well-known for her work as a racing ambassador. She grew up in a horse racing family and is married to former champion jockey, Lance O’Sullivan. Her career has also included stints as a TV presenter. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Matamata.

Bridgette says after learning about the prevalence of child abuse in New Zealand, she was compelled to become part of the solution.

“I was alarmed when I learned that New Zealand has one of the highest rates of child abuse in the OECD. I want to partner with Child Matters to raise awareness of this issue and do whatever I can to make a difference in the lives of children.

“In particular, I am passionate about ensuring those people who work with children everyday – particularly teachers – get the training they need to identify and act to keep children safe. Child Matters has always focused on being the solution on the top of the mountain, rather than the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff and I’m excited about being an ambassador for such a passionate and critically important organisation,” she says.

About Child Matters:

• Child Matters is the only organisation in New Zealand solely focused on child abuse prevention.
• It works to prevent child abuse by 1) speaking up for New Zealand children; and 2) educating adults to identify child abuse and take the appropriate action.
• Child Matters is a catalyst in communities, working to connect organisations and build leaders who are making positive impacts on child abuse prevention.
• Child Matters is an independent charitable trust with a cross sector view and influence around child abuse in New Zealand. It has links to all organisations who work with children and enables them to tackle the issue of child abuse in their local communities.
• Every adult in New Zealand is affected in some way by child abuse and, therefore, Child Matters believes every adult has a role to play in protecting children. Its child abuse prevention educational programmes are a powerful solution.
• Child Matters believes child abuse prevention education must be made compulsory for all key organisations working with children.
• Child Matters works with a range of organisations to educate their staff to identify child abuse and take the appropriate action. It encourages organisations to adopt a child abuse prevention education and staff wellness programme to demonstrate they take child abuse prevention seriously.
• Child Matters operates nationally.
• For more information, visit: www.childmatters.org.nz

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