Junior and Safer Citizen schemes

In 2008, the Wandsworth Junior Citizen scheme became the first scheme in London, and one of only a handful throughout the UK, to be officially accredited by RoSPA - The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents - in recognition of its good work in keeping the borough's children safe.

The scheme's importance was recently highlighted by the case of two boys from a primary school in Battersea, who were approached by a man in the street and told that he had their mothers' permission to take them to Thorpe Park.

One of the boys wanted to go but his friend, who had attended the Junior Citizen Scheme, recognised the danger signs and convinced his friend not to go. They then told one of the teachers at their school and the matter was reported to the police.

The scheme was awarded the accreditation at its Birthday celebrations on Monday 30 June 2008. Councillors and colleagues from the Council and representatives from the Police, Fire Brigade and other agencies, from as far afield as Aberdeen, attended to hear about the development of the scheme, celebrate the anniversary and witness the presentation of accreditation.