Safe T in the Park success
Thursday, September 28 2006
More than two hundred S5 pupils from across the Borders gathered in Springwood Park in Kelso on Wednesday 20 September to take part in Safe T in the Park 2006.
The event, which is designed to give adolescents support and information during their move to adulthood, has been a resounding success over the last three years. This year was no disappointment, with local volunteers from the Scottish Borders Joint Community Safety Panel delivering a highly interactive and successful day once again.
“Safe T in the Park is an ideal forum which highlights safety messages to the young people of the Scottish Borders and one that can enable the youth of today fulfil their full potential,” explained Dougie Mackay, Chairman of the Scottish Borders Joint Community Safety Panel. “It has caught the imagination of both the voluntary sector and the statutory agencies and is an event which the Scottish Borders Joint Community Safety Panel is very proud to be a part of.”
The youngsters took part in 10 interactive, fun and informative workshops held by professionals and volunteers on issues which they may encounter as they move into their adult lives. The workshops covered dealing with stress, the legal issues surrounding drugs and alcohol, driving, health improvement, fire, personal safety and wellbeing.
Inspector Kenny Simpson of Lothian and Borders Police said, “We recognise that the transition from adolescence to adulthood is a difficult period for young people, and events like this clearly go a long way to assist this process. Undoubtedly, Safe T in the Park is an extremely important event at a critical time in young people’s lives.”
During the workshops there was also the opportunity for the pupils to put questions to local councillors, youth leaders and representatives from the Police.
Councillor Val Robson, SBC Executive Spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, was delighted with the youngsters’ enthusiasm at the event. “This continues to be the highlight of the year for all the participants, community groups and organisations involved. Whatever the youngsters plans are after leaving school, whether they are leaving home, going to university or starting their working lives, all the information they have gained from today will certainly be crucial for this stage in their lives.”
SBC Secondary Schools Manager Jackie Swanston added, “This event is of huge educational value and is great preparation for youngsters moving into their adult lives. The evaluation sheets have been very positive and I believe this event is going to go from strength to strength every year.”
The Scottish Borders Joint Community Safety Panel consists of representatives from the five local area community safety panels. Its purpose is to identify common community safety concerns for people, living, working and visiting the Scottish Borders. The group hopes to share best practice and experience to deliver community-led projects Borders wide.
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