Thousands of Year 6 students from schools across Swindon and the wider Wiltshire area have been learning safety skills thanks to a multi-agency initiative.
The Junior Good Citizen (JGC) initiative is a multi-agency educational programme designed to equip young people with the knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe as they prepare for secondary school.
The students have been getting bite sized insights into policing hate crime, life inside a prison and keeping themselves safe walking to and from school.
Around 3,000 students have taken part in this year's Junior Good Citizen, which ran over the last two weeks, hosted by the Wiltshire Police Youth and Early Intervention Team, at the Wiltshire Scout Centre, Potterne and Punjabi Centre, Gorse Hill, Swindon.
The initiative brings together a range of partner organisations including Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council, the HCRG Care Group, British and local charities to deliver interactive sessions focused on key safety and community topics including Road Safety, Hate Crime Awareness, Internet Safety and information on being safe around drugs and alcohol.
It is tailored to help children navigate the challenges they may face as they become more independent in Year 7 and beyond.
Jon Akehurst, from the Wiltshire Police Youth and Early Intervention Team, said: “Junior Good Citizen is a vital part of our community engagement and education strategy. It provides young people with knowledge to make informed future decisions.
"During the pupil’s visit we spoke about the unpleasant life behind bars and what impact a criminal record can have upon their future prospects.”
"As children begin their transition into secondary school, it’s crucial they understand how to stay safe and make good choices — both online and in their local communities.”
The continued support of Wiltshire Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams has been invaluable in delivering this programme. Their presence not only helps build trust and familiarity between officers and young people, but also ensures local knowledge is embedded in every session, making the content even more relevant to the communities the children live in.
By working collaboratively with partner agencies, the JGC initiative ensures that students not only receive consistent safety messaging but also get to meet and interact with the professionals who help keep their communities safe every day.
A local teacher said: “This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when local services work together. We’re proud to be part of something that builds confidence, encourages kindness, and promotes responsibility in young people.”
The feedback from schools, parents and students continues to be overwhelmingly positive, with many schools returning year after year.
It’s hoped that the initiative (almost spanning 4 decades of activity) will leave a lasting impression on the young participants and encourage them to become active and positive citizens in their communities.
Watch footage from the event and hear from those involved
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