Almost 700 pupils from Anglesey’s primary schools recently visited a safety education centre to learn more about keeping safe.
The year six pupils – aged 10 and 11-yrs, from 51 primary schools across the island visited Dangerpoint – a centre that provides hands-on safety education for children and young people.
The visits were arranged by Anglesey County Council, and over the last four weeks the pupils have spent time at the centre, taking part in various activities such as learning about safety at home and on the roads as well as personal safety and well-being.
Luned Parry, Health Promotion Facilitator for Anglesey County Council, who arranged the visits said: “The centre educates and raises awareness on accidents and injury prevention, crime, personal safety and anti-social behaviour, in a safe and controlled environment.
“Children can see, smell, feel and hear the hazards they may encounter in real life, but without the risks, and are provided with the skills necessary to make informed and responsible decisions, to deal with daily situations safely. Pre and post evaluation results reveal a dramatic increase in knowledge.”
Opened in 2005, Dangerpoint is a registered charity developed by numerous organisations including North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and BHP Billiton Petroleum Ltd.
The Ynys Môn Community Safety Partnership thought this was an excellent example of partnership working. They said: “This is multi-agency working at its best – a good example of Anglesey Health Alliance, Ynys Môn Community Safety Partnership, the County Council, North Wales Police and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service working together on a successful project.”
One school who thoroughly enjoyed the visit was Ysgol Esceifiog in Gaerwen. Year six pupils, Rhian Jones, Daniel Summers-Jones and Hanna Hughes said: “We arrived at Dangerpoint straight away we were given a quiz to test us on our knowledge, however we only scored 25% so there was a lot of learning to do!
“We were then led through the various areas and saw the dangers associated with a garage, farmyard, trains, the beach and a road crossing. Afterwards we were given another quiz to test us on what we had learnt and this time we scored 85%.
They added: “Everyone really enjoyed the trip and learnt lots on how to avoid danger. We would definitely go again – it was great.”
Cat Harvey, Project Co-ordinator at Dangerpoint said: “With highly trained rangers, Dangerpoint has been designed to inspire, inform and engage the groups. It is an excellent way to inspire the community in essential life skills.”
To find out more about Dangerpoint and for details on how to book a visit, visit their website – http://www.dangerpoint.org.uk/
