Pupils prove it’s great to stay safe

Almost 2,000 primary six pupils have taken part in a series of safety workshops designed to keep Renfrewshire children safe.

Winners Ava Logan, Erin McGiniggle, Kaiden Lynch, Abigail Nelson and Connice Luce

The Safe Kids event, organised by the Renfrewshire Community Safety Partnership and hosted by St Mirren Football Club, covered everything from internet safety and drug and alcohol awareness to antisocial behaviour and responsible dog ownership.

The winners with Safe Kids partners

Kids also composed their poems for Paisley ahead of the town’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021. The bid to win the culture competition will be submitted at the end of April.

At a special VIP day on Friday 24 February, five pupils were awarded certificates by Provost Anne Hall for their winning Safe Kids poster designs.

The winners were:

·         Ava Logan, Ralston Primary

·         Kaiden Lynch, St Peter’s Primary

·         Erin McGinnigle, Wallace Primary

·         Abigail Nelson, Houston Primary

·         Connice Luse, St James’ 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 supported by Renfrewshire Council, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, St Mirren Football Club, Who Cares Scotland, Tesco, The Rescue Cafe and Renfrewshire’s Alcohol and Drugs Adolescent Resource (RADAR).