Be safe, be cool – at the same time!

High school pupils across Bury have been learning how to stay safe and cool - at the same time!

The ‘Be Safe Be Cool’ initiative is an award-winning partnership between agencies including the police, the council, Six Town Housing, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and Codexo Justice Services. It has been running for nine years and has just take place again in all Bury’s secondary schools, working with Year 9 students.

Talented youngsters from Bury College produced and acted out their own play depicting a number of community safety messages around personal safety, bonfire safety, e-safety and the consequences of crime and anti-social behaviour. Workshops followed, allowing youngsters to explore these themes in more detail.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Bury Council’s lead member for community safety, said: “It was a privilege to be part of this year’s ‘Be Safe Be Cool’ initiative. With Halloween and bonfire night fast approaching, it is important that young people are empowered to make positive choices to help keep themselves and their friends safe.”

Superintendent Karan Lee of Bury Greater Manchester Police said: “The ‘Be Safe, Be Cool’ initiative provides a real opportunity to work with young people in a fun and interactive way, and forms a key part of Bury’s ‘Operation Treacle’ campaign which aims to keep young people and communities safe around Halloween and bonfire night.”

For more information about Operation Treacle, visit http://safe4autumn.com/

ENDS

Press release issued: 27 October 2015.