Teenagers get advice to keep safe
Published
Thursday 24 October, 2024
Updated
Thursday 24 October, 2024
More than a thousand local teenagers have received vital advice on staying safe and making informed choices at the Swale Young People's Safety Roadshows.
The events, which visited local schools, covered a range of important topics relevant to young people, including healthy relationships, domestic abuse, sexual health, drugs and alcohol, antisocial behaviour, exploitation, personal safety, and knife crime.
Year nine students were given practical tips on how to protect themselves, navigate challenging situations, and access the support services available in Swale.
Experts from Kent Police, Swale Borough Council, Medway & Swale Health and Care Partnership, Clarion, Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), Prevent UK, and Uprising Youth and Community provided valuable guidance and advice during the roadshows.
Local celebrity Robbie White, best known for his role on Netflix's Heartstopper, served as the event's host.
His presence helped create a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, fostering a connection between the presenters and the young audience.
Swale Police Sergeant Carli Deacon said:
“The aim of the roadshow was for police and partners to give advice around real life situations which should enable young people to make better and more informed choices to keep themselves and their peers safe, alongside the consequences of making poor choices.
“It is hoped that the roadshows have enabled them to have the confidence to say no and also enabled them to find help from a trusted adult or organisation should they need it.”
Cllr Richard Palmer, chair of the Community and Leisure Committee, said:
"The feedback from the young people who attended the roadshows has been incredibly positive.
“They've said how valuable these events have been in helping them understand the consequences of their actions and how to make informed choices.
"By providing real-life scenarios and advice, we’re helping them to make better decisions and seek help when needed. This is crucial in preventing harmful behaviours like substance abuse, violence, and exploitation.
"I'm grateful to Kent Police and all our partners for their involvement in these successful roadshows. By working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of young people and create a safer, healthier community."
The roadshows ran from 7 October until 18 October and were funded by the Crime Reduction Grant which the Swale Community Safety Partnership received from the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner.
