|
Final touches are now being put to Safeside at Eastside', a state-of-the-art safety centre that will teach children about risks by letting them experience situations first-hand. The new centre, in Vauxhall Road, Nechells, Birmingham, features 16 different scenarios, including a street scene, a canal, a house, a dark alleyway, a shop, a pub and a building site. A trip around the centre will cover subjects including home safety, road safety, water safety, railway safety, drugs and alcohol awareness, fire safety, personal safety and what to do in an emergency. There is also a police station and court-room to show the consequences of crime and anti-social behaviour, and an internet café to help people learn about internet safety. Chief Fire Officer Frank Sheehan said: "Safeside is a fantastic new facility for all of the communities in the West Midlands. "The different scenarios allow us to talk about a massive range of safety issues in an enjoyable and memorable way that ensures the vital messages really hit home. "Safeside is due to open fully in November and we are looking forward to people experiencing everything it has to offer and being inspired to think and act safely." Safeside will provide schools with an innovative way to introduce children to elements of the National Curriculum under PHSE and Citizenship. As well as schools, the facility will be open to other groups in the community such as vulnerable adults. Visits will be booked in advance and will each tour will take about two and a half hours. There is an opportunity for people to get involved in the new centre as volunteers are needed to act as Visitor Guides. This is a crucial role as the Visitor Guides will deliver the key safety messages as they show parties around the scenarios. Full training and support will be provided to volunteers. No qualifications are needed but volunteers have to be good communicators and enjoy working in a team and with the general public, especially children. For further information on Safeside or to arrange a visit, call 0800 389 5525, e-mail safeside@wmfs.net or visit www.wmfs.net/safeside For more information on becoming a volunteer Visitor Guide contact Janet Wilson on 0121 380 6429. |
