Youngsters learn how to be safe citizens

Students from Berrymead Junior School, Acton, met senior officers from the emergency services, Transport for London and the Deputy Mayor of Ealing when they took part in the Junior Citizens scheme on Tuesday 28 June.

Junior Citizens is designed to teach important life skills to 11 year olds making the transition from primary to secondary school. The scheme is run in partnership with Ealing Police, Transport for London, the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service.

The youngsters from Berrrymead Junior School were taken through a series of interactive workshops and practical scenarios and were asked to make decisions about their personal safety and the safety of others, while raising their awareness of danger and the consequences of criminal actions.

Some of the themes covered include mobile phone theft, using public transport safely, making a 999 call, fire safety and first aid.

Around 1400 children are expected to attend the workshops in June and July held at Southall Activity Centre. Many of the officers running the sessions volunteer their time for free.

Councillor Patricia Walker, cabinet member for Children and Young People said: “Moving from primary to secondary school is such an important stage in a child's life. It is an exciting time, but young people can also find themselves in new and challenging situations that they may not be equipped to deal with.

“These sessions encourage students to think about some of the difficult situations that they make come across in the future and show them how to make good choices in a practical and easily understood way.

“Everyone who comes on this scheme tells us how good it is and I’m delighted that Ealing children are being given the chance to take part.”

Metropolitan Police Superintendent Ian Jenkins said: “The Junior Citizen Scheme has been successfully run for many years in Ealing and is a fun and exciting way for children to learn new skills and challenges to prepare them for their move from junior school to higher education.”