Junior Citizens set up with lessons for life

More than 1200 children from across the borough will be taking part in the two week 2011 Junior Citizen Scheme which runs from Monday 6 - Friday 17 June.

The scheme, which is being held at Guildford Fire Station, is a joint initiative between Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, Surrey Police, Guildford Borough Council, Surrey County Council and St John Ambulance.

Marie Clarke, Guildford Borough Council Community Safety Officer, who has coordinated the event said: "The scheme is brilliant as it raises awareness of personal safety in a fun and effective way, in a safe and controlled environment and gives young people confidence and independence to deal with emergency situations.

And added: "It also comes at a crucial time when children are just about to move up into secondary schools."

On arrival the day's events are explained to the children who are then split into small groups who spend 10 minutes at each one of the workstations.

There are a number of workstations where children are encouraged to have hands-on experience in a variety of tasks and think about simulated situations involving everyday dangers.

Cllr Mansbridge, Lead Councillor for Community Safety, said: "The scheme has maximum impact for the children because it is as close to the real thing as possible and there is no better source of advice than the emergency services and partner agencies working together to give 'hands on' learning."

He went on to say: "We want the young people to have the skills to look after themselves and others and that's why the scheme is called 'Junior Citizen."

The interactive sessions are designed to teach young people how to be safe and responsible and include learning about: stranger danger, internet safety and cyber bullying, what to do if caught in a fire, first aid, personal hygiene, environmental crime, road safety, hate crime plus anti-social behaviour and its consequences.