Two thousand young people take part in this year’s B-SAFE project

More than 2,000 students at 11 of the borough’s high schools have been learning how to keep themselves safe in all manner of situations.

They took part in this year’s B-SAFE project, run by Bury Council and its partners from Greater Manchester Police, Travel for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and Bury College.

The project covered a range of topics that affect the safety of young people in Bury. These include knife crime, the dangers of vaping, drug misuse, healthy relationships, anti-social behaviour on public transport, and fire safety, among others.

A day of workshops was held at each participating school, following a performance by second-year drama students from Bury College.

Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Our B-SAFE project has been going for 17 successful years, and the messages are just as important as they’ve ever been. The purpose of the project is to raise awareness with our children about the dangers of a range of subjects, and how to deal with these and remain safe.

“Being safe and aware of danger is important at all ages. This year the project was designed for and aimed at Year 8 students, because they are at a crucial age where they have started high school and are becoming more independent, and we want to prepare them for life in their communities as they are growing up.”

Cllr Smith added: “A huge ‘thank you’ to all the high schools that took part, to all those involved in organising the project, and especially to the drama students from Bury College, who delivered outstanding performances every day. Their dramatic portrayals of the project’s themes were incredibly powerful and made a lasting impact on the students who attended.

“We look forward to bringing the B-SAFE project back next year!”

ENDS

Press release issued: 24 October 2024.