Local children learn how to ‘Think Safe’

NTRC

Almost 500 children from across the Winchester District learned how to ‘Think Safe’ thanks to a week of special events organised, funded and run by Winchester City Council in conjunction with Worthy Down Army Camp. The primary school children took part in a week of activities from 5^th – 9^th October and received practical advice from professionals on how to stay safe and cope in a variety of potentially dangerous situations.

Think Safe is a safety training programme in which children take part in ‘simulations’ of dangers they may face in everyday life. The program has been running throughout Hampshire for 19 years and teaches young people how to cope with real and potential hazards. The event is geared towards providing opportunities for children to learn in a safe environment, have practical experience of simulated situations, relate situations to everyday life, practice and develop safety skills such as assertiveness, decision making and asking for help, and finally to develop skills in hazard awareness and risk management.

Neighbourhood Warden, Lesley Bridger, and her colleagues planned and coordinated this year’s event in conjunction with military personnel from Worthy Down Camp, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Hampshire Police Community Support Officers, Hampshire City Council’s Road Safety and Trading Standards teams and the Winchester City Council Animal Welfare team.

Lesley Bridger has been at the forefront of the Think Safe scheme for a number of years and believes it plays a vital role in helping to keep children safe. She said: “The Think Safe event is proving to be a great success. Children are always curious to find out more about the world they live in; and learning how to look after themselves and keep safe is an important part of this development process. The scheme is designed, not only to inform children of dangers, but to give them the knowledge and confidence to deal with real life hazards.” Capt T. Richmond, Adjutant of Worthy Down, added: “Think Safe provides an excellent opportunity for personnel from Worthy Down Camp to work in partnership with agencies from across Hampshire and promote personal safety in a fun and engaging way for school children throughout Hampshire.”

Neighbourhood Wardens may be contacted on 0800 389 6274

<< back | back to top

Prime Minister visits Reading

...more >

Helping out in Severe Weather

...more >