A new East Midlands education centre that shows children how to stay safe has the backing of Loughborough’s medicine research company, AstraZeneca.Opened in October, Warning Zone in Syston offers 10 and 11 year-olds from Leicestershire and Rutland, a unique experience to help them avoid dangers in their lives.
Operated by the charity Crimebeat, Warning Zone opens the eyes of Year 6 youngsters to the dangers lurking in the everyday environment. The centre features a series of scenarios covering such issues as railway trespass, building sites, electricity substations, arson, alcohol misuse and home fire and road safety. During a two-hour visit, volunteer guides talk children through the various safety concerns and help them understand their legal and social responsibilities and how their actions have consequences for themselves and other people.
Centre Co-ordinator Alan Godber said: “It is a real eye opener for some children that they are criminally responsible for their actions at the age of 10.”Key messages are also emphasised back in schools, thanks to a workbook for which AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood donated over a ?1000. In the area we cover there are more than 12,000 children in the top junior school age group every year, so the trustees of Crimebeat decided to establish a permanent bespoke education centre.
”The Crimebeat charity, which gives grants to groups of young people who want to make a difference in their communities, created Warning Zone in a former warehouse in Syston.Supported by local authorities, charitable foundations, Police and Fire services and some company sponsors, Warning Zone aims to get all Year 6 children through its doors.
Among those who have benefited this month are 24 children from Thorpe Acre Junior School, one of AstraZeneca’s Partner Schools under its Community Involvement Programme.
