Junior and Safer Citizen schemes

In 2006, the very successful Junior Citizen Scheme - a partnership between the Council, the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Service - was extended to provide a Safer Citizen Scheme for young people with special needs.

The scheme has adapted the original Junior Citizen project to the needs of 11- to 18-year-olds with hearing, visual or mobility impairments. They are presented with four scenarios:

• Stranger Danger
• Fire Safety
• Home Safety
• Home Security.

The scheme continued in 2007 and 2008 hosted by the Randall Close Day Centre (Leonard Cheshire Foundation). This proved to be a big advantage since the centre's facilities for dealing with people with disabilities enhanced the efficient running of the scenarios. The event was considered a huge success by the staff, presenters, visitors and, most importantly, pupils who were involved. New partnerships have been forged, which will benefit all disabled people in the Borough irrespective of age. All presenters experienced a very steep learning curve in how to deliver messages to young people with such a wide range of disabilities. They faced the challenge with great enthusiasm and commitment.

"The staff and service users felt the event was a huge success on our part and your part. The event proved that with a little encouragement it was possible for the community to work closely together in supporting young adults with learning difficulties and to work alongside one another without any barriers, restrictions or prejudice.

"The event was organised in a professional manner with times of scenarios to suit the needs of the visitors. The scenarios were perfectly suited to the youngsters and our users were happy to meet and greet them and be part of the event."

Randall Close Day Centre Manager