A scheme which teaches children how to avoid injuries and identify dangerous drugs celebrated its 25th birthday.
Wandsworth Council’s Junior Citizen Scheme is offered to year five children in all of the borough’s schools and teaches them about everything from making 999 calls to escaping a fire.
Thousands of children have gone through the course
Children are taught how to identify dangerous drugs, and are then put in a 'derelict house' scenario where they are exposed to drugs.
A celebration was held at the town hall, on June 26, to mark the scheme’s anniversary.
The new chairman of the scheme’s steering group is deputy mayor Councillor Richard Field who said: “It’s a real honour to take over from Angela Graham, who brought so much energy and commitment to Junior Citizen.
The scheme has been accredited by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
"This really is a fantastic scheme that helps so many of our young people cope with the difficult situations they may face in the modern world.
The scheme is funded and run by the council
“They’ve told us that what they learn through acting out these real-life scenarios has stayed with them for years. If we can prevent even one child being hurt, the past 25 years of work would have been well worth it.”
To find out more visit wandsworth.gov.uk/juniorcitizen.
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