Local children learn how to ‘Think Safe’
Several hundred school children from across the Winchester District have been learning how to ‘Think Safe’ thanks to a week of special events organised and funded by Winchester City Council at Worthy Down Army Training Camp.The primary school children participated in a week of activities from 4th – 8th 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 Hampshire-wide 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 over twenty 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 and to obtain practical experience in simulated situations. The youngsters are able to practice and develop safety skills such as assertiveness, decision making and asking for help, and are encouraged to develop skills in hazard awareness and risk management.
The training focuses upon a number of key areas such as fire safety in the home, personal safety (Stranger Danger), road safety, firearms and knife safety, and animal welfare issues, and the scenarios were designed to be delivered in a fun and engaging manner.
During the week, the event was visited by the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Richard Izard, along with representatives from Winchester City Council, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Police who were delighted to see the learning process in action and meet with the school children.