It's Junior Life Skills Time!

More than 1500 primary school children across Torridge and North Devon are set to have lots of fun while learning important life saving skills at the same time in this year's popular Junior Life Skills event.

It's the eighth time that Torridge and North Devon Councils have jointly organised the programme and the third time it will be held at Barnstaple Town Football Club.

During two weeks in June (11^th – 22^nd), students in their last year of primary school from all across both districts will be taught how to cope with day-to-day dangers and real-life emergencies.

A number of short scenarios have been designed to give the children first hand experience of how to deal with a range of different situations. Examples include:

· The effects of alcohol

· Fire safety in the home

· The dangers of electricity

· Coastal safety

· What is anti social behaviour?

· The importance of recycling

· First aid and recovery

· The importance of hand hygiene

The scenarios are provided by Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Safer north Devon, British Red Cross, Maritime Coastguard Agency and Western Power, as well as North Devon and Torridge District Council's Environmental Health and Recycling teams and Devon County Council's Waste Management Team.

Councillor Barry Parsons, Leader of Torridge District Council, said:

"I have been to this event and seen for myself that it really does make a difference to those involved. It teaches the children how to cope with day-to-day dangers and real life emergencies and shows them how to keep themselves, their friends and their family safe. I am in no doubt that the 2012 event will give our youngsters the confidence they need to use their newly learnt skills if they find themselves in a situation that demands quick thinking."

Councillor Brian Greenslade, Leader of North Devon Council said:

"Junior Life Skills has proven to be a really successful way of teaching young people about important issues and risks that they may face in life. The interactive, hands-on activities are always well received by pupils and schools. Therefore, I'm pleased we're again able to help organise this event, to help give our young people the knowledge of how to deal with certain situations and hopefully prevent other potential dangers from happening in the first place."

Photo: this is what happens when you put water on a chip pan fire - at a previous Junior Life Skills event.

01 June 2012