Swindon Celebrates 30 Years of Junior Good Citizen

By Claire Dukes - 11 June 2018

CrimeCommunity

The annual Junior Good Citizen (JGC) scheme is designed to engage young people in a fun learning environment and equip them with life skills as they make their transition from Primary to Secondary Education.

This month marks 30 years the of Junior Good Citizen scheme and Swindon has taken the opportunity to celebrate.

The multi-agency scheme engages schools, emergency services and local authorities who work together in partnership to educate children from Year Six (aged 10 and 11) to better safeguard themselves and help others.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Angus Macpherson, joined Chief Constable Kier Pritchard in celebrating with young people, key dignitaries and partner agencies in celebration of the scheme’s 30th year.

They took the opportunity to view the scenarios in action which included:

  • Personal Safety – Wiltshire Police
  • Dog Safety – Swindon Borough Council (SBC) & Blue Cross animal rescue
  • Internet Safety – Swindon Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB)/SBC
  • Road Safety – SBC
  • Electrical Safety – Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue
  • Railway Safety – British Transport Police
  • Weapons awareness – Youth Offending Team & Community Safety Partnership
  • Envirocrime – SBC

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Junior Good Citizen Scheme in action and have enjoyed meeting all who are involved, including the youngsters and those who help coordinate the activities.

"The scheme is a great way of informing young people about a wide range of personal and community safety issues and promotes the values of good citizenship, which is something I strongly support."

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard added: “JGC is such an amazing event and really helps provide learning to children through fun and informative sessions.

“I am always so impressed with the enthusiasm and passion our staff have in delivering such an important yearly event, in Swindon alone bringing this to around 1900 year 6 primary school pupils.

“It’s great to see it still thriving after 30 years of existence. Well done to all involved, it’s such a brilliant event.”

PCSO and Youth Engagement Officer Mandi Coles said, “I am excited to be celebrating 30 years of Junior Good Citizens in Swindon this year.

“The emphasis of this scheme is for young people to have fun while they learn about how they can keep themselves and those in their communities safe.

“It has armed thousands of children across Swindon with crucial information about how to deal with dangerous and possible life-threatening situations.

“We have 37 Schools that will be visiting over the two week period, bringing about 1900 year 6 pupils who will take part in 8 activities.

“Swindon Junior Good Citizens is a multi-agency event which is run by Wiltshire Police, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service, Swindon Borough Council, Youth Offending team and British Transport Police.  It is a real team effort and demonstrates partnership working at its best!”

Junior Good Citizen runs over a two-week period between Monday 4 June and Friday 15 June at the Punjabi Community Centre in Gorse Hill.

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