Almost 2,000 primary six pupils from schools across Renfrewshire have been taking part in safety workshops designed to keep Renfrewshire children safe.

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The Safe Kids programme is being held over a two-week period and hosted by St Mirren FC at the Paisley 2021 Stadium.

Safe Kids is a unique learning programme coordinated by Renfrewshire Council and involving the police, the fire and rescue service and other organisations that make up Renfrewshire Community Safety Partnership.

The Safe Kids programme, which has been running in Renfrewshire schools for nearly 20 years, helps to educate young people about a wide range of safety issues.

This year, children will be taking part in workshops on issues including internet safety, fire safety, antisocial behaviour, drug and alcohol awareness, litter and dog fouling, CCTV and first aid.

At a special VIP Day on Thursday 10 March, five primary six pupils were awarded certificates by Provost Anne Hall for their prize-winning Safe Kids poster designs.

The winners were:

  • Stuart Chalk, Houston Primary
  • Daisy McCaffrey, Arkleston Primary
  • Clara Cowan, Lochfield Primary
  • Mark James Quinn, St James’s Primary
  • Stuart Wilson, Lochwinnoch Primary

Councillor Jacqueline Henry, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education Policy board, said “The key to the success of Safe Kids is the way it is delivered. The workshops allow the kids to have fun while they are learning about tough issues and keeping themselves safe.

“It is important to make sure our young people are equipped for the different risks they may face in their lives, particularly now that many have access to the internet at a young age.

“Initiatives like Safe Kids are a great way to give children the skills and confidence they need to make good decisions in difficult situations.”

Councillor Eddie Devine, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Environment policy Board, said:

“The members of Renfrewshire’s Community Safety Partnership are working more closely than ever to make our communities safer.

“A key thrust of our activity is about providing kids with information on how to keep safe in a wide range of real-life situations.

“The kids really enjoy spending the day at St Mirren and all the partners bring a unique message to the children.”

Safe Kids aims to keep children safe by reducing the number of accidents involving young people, promoting positive behaviour and reducing risks.

The Safe Kids workshops are delivered by Renfrewshire Council, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, St Mirren Football Club, and Renfrewshire’s Alcohol and Drugs Adolescent Resource (RADAR).