Community safety project shortlisted for national award

A community safety project for youngsters, which is managed by Safer Wyre Forest and The ContinU Trust, has been shortlisted for a national award.

The Community Ambassador Project is a finalist in the Young Persons Safety Award category of the Suzy Lamplugh National Personal Safety Awards 2017.

The Awards celebrate and recognise the hard work of individuals and groups who, through their work and commitment to personal safety, make a real contribution to keeping people safe.

There are more than sixty 14 and 15 year olds involved in the Community Ambassador Project.  The youngsters take part in a year of events. They work to communicate positive messages within their schools about community safety, citizenship, wellbeing and health. One of the Ambassadors’ main roles is to convey personal safety messages about keeping safe when out and about.  They take part in campaigns such as National Personal Safety Day, Safer Internet Day, Anti-Bullying Week and the White Ribbon Campaign, which raises awareness of domestic abuse.

The project involves The Bewdley School and Sixth Form Centre, King Charles I School, Stourport High School, Wolverley CE Secondary School, Baxter Business and Enterprise College, Hagley Roman Catholic High School and Haybridge High School and Sixth Form.  It was set up in 2014 and is funded by a grant from the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner.

Safer Wyre Forest is managed by Wyre Forest District Council. 

Councillor Juliet Smith is the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Culture, Leisure and Community Protection.  She said:

“Congratulations to the team and all the Ambassadors. It is great news that the project has been shortlisted for an important national award and demonstrates the fantastic partnership working we have in raising awareness on community safety issues relating to young people.”

There are many positive outcomes for youngsters who take part in the project. Jess Barratt took part in the scheme at Stourport High School. She said:

“I wanted to help people and felt that with this role I could make a difference.  It has been a really good experience and I’ve enjoyed it because it’s given me lots more confidence when talking to others and I’ve learnt new skills during the role.”

The Community Ambassadors are currently producing a film to raise awareness of their role within their schools. Their website www.communityambassadors.org.uk showcases the work they have been doing.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust website also features advice on staying safe at www.suzylamplugh.org