Almost 2,000 primary six pupils have taken part in a series of safety workshops designed to keep Renfrewshire children safe.
The Safe Kids event, hosted by St Mirren Football Club, is a unique learning programme coordinated by Community Resources and involves police, fire and other organisations in the Community Safety Partnership.
The programme, which has been running for over 10 years, has helped to educate nearly 20,000 young people on a wide range of safety issues, such as internet safety, antisocial behaviour, drug and alcohol awareness and dog fouling.
Five primary six pupils were congratulated by Councillor Jacqueline Henry, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education Policy Board, and Councillor Eddie Devine, Convener of the Council’s Environment Policy Board for winning the Safe Kids design-a-poster competition.
The winners were:
Recce Marshall – Woodlands Primary
Bethany-Hope Parnis – Lochfield Primary
Katie Irwine – Newmains Primary
Morven Bain – Lochwinnoch Primary
Melissa Coulthart – West Primary
Councillor Henry said, “The success of the Safe Kids programme is in the way it is delivered. Kids enjoy the fun workshops but also learn about tough issues and how they can keep themselves safe.
“It is important to make sure our young people are equipped for the different dangers they may face in their lives, particularly now that kids have access to the internet much younger than before. Initiatives like these are a great way to work with kids and give them the information they need to make good decisions in tough situations.”
“We are working closer than ever before with our partners in Renfrewshire’s Community Safety Partnership to really make a difference in our communities” said Councillor Devine. “The safety of our children is of vital importance to everyone.”
“Renfrewshire’s Community Safety Partnership has enabled us to provide kids with information on how to keep safe across the board. By working closer together, we are able to achieve more for the pupils. Kids really enjoy spending the day at St Mirren’s park and all the partners bring a unique message to the children.”
Safe Kids sets out to keep children safe and strong by reducing the number of accidents involving young people, promoting positive behaviours and reducing risks.
The Safe Kids workshops are delivered by Renfrewshire Council, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, St Mirren Football Club, Renfrewshire’s Alcohol and Drugs Adolescent Resource (RADAR), the CEDAR project (Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery).
Braehead Clan, JD Sports, Network Rail and Scotrail sponsored the event.