Schools Take Part in Multi-Agency Safety Initiative

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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Philip Campbell is photographed at the Ballymore Centre in Downpatrick with representatives from a range of key organisations involved in delivering the BeeSafe initiative, including the PSNI, Translink, NIFRS, County Down Rural Community Network, RNLI, and the Council’s Health Improvement team as well as P7 pupils from the Cedar Integrated School in Crossgar.

Over 1,600 Primary Seven pupils from across the Newry, Mourne and Down district have taken part in a major safety initiative designed to equip them with essential life skills as they prepare for the move to secondary school.

The BeeSafe events, which ran between 19 January and 6 February at various locations across the district, brought together multiple agencies to deliver interactive workshops covering everything from internet safety to fire prevention. The programme, organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, aimed to help youngsters learn how to keep themselves safe and avoid potentially dangerous situations during this important transition in their education.

Councillor Philip Campbell, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said he was delighted the events had been organised for primary seven pupils across the district. "This initiative is a great example of how agencies are working together across Newry, Mourne and Down to achieve a successful outcome," he said.

The workshops combined expert advice with practical guidance and interactive activities, ensuring pupils could engage with vital safety messages in a fun, accessible and memorable way. Sessions were tailored to be age-appropriate, giving pupils the opportunity to ask questions, take part in demonstrations and gain practical advice they can use in everyday life.

The Council worked in partnership with a range of key organisations to deliver the proactive community safety programme. Topics covered included Home Accident Prevention and Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing delivered by the Council itself, whilst the PSNI presented sessions on Internet Safety and Translink facilitated workshops on Bus Safety. Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service coordinated Fire Safety in the Home sessions, the RNLI provided Water Safety information, and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust presented workshops on nutrition.

Teachers accompanying the pupils welcomed the programme as a valuable support to classroom learning, with many noting how engaged the children were throughout the sessions.

Cllr Campbell added: "I know that the children and teachers have benefited from taking part in the workshops and trust that this will stand them in good stead as they move from primary into secondary education, equipping the children with some key life skills to stay safe and keep well."

The Council has thanked all partner agencies, schools and staff who supported the delivery of the BeeSafe programme and helped make the events such a success. The initiative forms part of the Council's ongoing commitment to promoting community safety, wellbeing and positive outcomes for young people across the district.