On the 10th April, the RUCST supported a group of teenagers in how to stay safe online and on the streets at the Lifewise Centre
Around 25 young people, aged between 13 and 15, took part in a full day of safety awareness training at the new Lifewise Centre in Hellaby, Rotherham. The centre provides a realistic but safe setting of specially built shops, houses and streets where young people can learn vital life skills.The training on offer covered internet safety and the risks of getting involved in gangs, knife crime and other forms of anti-social behaviour. This was followed by a mock trial with a local Justice of the Peace and a simulated prison experience!
12 year old Troy Machin said: “It was a really good day. I learned what to do if I got approached by someone looking for trouble and how the Police handle public order offences. We also had a session on how to stay safe online.”
The event was organised and funded by local housing provider Guinness Northern Counties in partnership with Rotherham United Community Sports Trust, South Yorkshire Police, Rotherham Council Leadership Fund, In 2 Change, Rotherham Magistrates Court and South Yorkshire Housing.
Brian Hamlin, Community Investment Manager for Guinness Northern Counties, said: “We’re delighted with the response to this event, which is all about making our communities safer and helping young people to make the right choices in life.
“We’ve got young people attending today from a diverse range of areas including Wickersley, Wath, Eastwood and Ferham and the fact that so many of them responded so positively to this opportunity is really encouraging.”
PC Paul Gray, who attended the event, said: “This event is voluntary, as we don’t want the young people to feel like they have to be here. I think that in this environment they learn better because they have chosen to be here.
“I’ve been doing this kind of thing for at least 10 years with companies like Rotherham United and I definitely think that they learn better in this sort of atmosphere.”
For more information on the event, contact Mark Cummins on:
Phone: 017809 827767
Mobile: 07852 494945
Email: cohesion@rotherhamunited.net
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