NEWS RELEASES
Youngsters learn essential skills for life
3rd October 2007
OVER 500 eight to ten years old from schools in the Horsham District are to learn skills to help them make decisions to positively impact on the communities in which they live.
Life for today’s youth is an everyday experience. Inquisitive and adventurous children gain fun and valid experience when exploring their local environment. However this essential part of growing up can lead children into potentially dangerous situations, for example, playing close to busy roads, electrical sub power stations, going off with strangers, or older children trying to persuade them to try drugs, smoking and becoming involved in acts of anti-social behaviour.
The youngsters will be taking part in the annual Junior Citizen initiative, which is held at Muntham House School in Barns Green every autumn.
This year’s event runs from 8 to 12 October aims to help local school children to become more aware of the skills they need to keep themselves and others safe in everyday life.
It provides an interactive experience with the children being encouraged to take appropriate action to respond to dangerous incidents when confronted by them.
The scheme is community based and many organisations and professionals from the public, private and voluntary sectors working together in partnership.
“All of the children are always very enthusiastic,” comments Cllr Robert Nye, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, at Horsham District Council.
“It is important to make children aware of the issues around both pro-social and anti-social behaviour in our communities. We emphasise the point that whichever route a person chooses to take has a significant effect on the lives of other people.”
“The mixture of short tutorials coupled with fun activities really helps to instil these important safety messages in their minds.
“We very much hope that we are helping to promote very positive values for tomorrow’s generation."
The event is being run by Horsham District Council in partnership with many other outside agencies to highlight the wide spectrum of situations where accidents and difficulties can sometimes occur in everyday life.
Partners in this year’s event include local schools, Sussex Police, Horsham District Council, Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, West Sussex County Council Road Safety Division, West Sussex Trading Standards, West Sussex Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, St John Ambulance and EDF Energy.
To find out more about the Junior Citizen events in the Horsham District, contact Ellie Griffiths at Horsham District Council on 01403 215425 (email: Elllie.griffiths@horsham.gov.uk).
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk