Schoolchildren across East Suffolk given vital safety advice

A popular annual event that has helped thousands of children to stay safe within the community, online and at home has made a welcome return. Over the past two weeks more than 1,300 schoolchildren have been learning valuable skills in how to stay safe in real-life situations. Crucial Crew demonstrations. (Image: Mick Howes)

The pupils from 33 schools across East Suffolk have been taking part in Crucial Crew. The safety initiative, which is aimed at year six pupils, is being held between November 8 and November 18 at Lowestoft Community Church. Crucial Crew demonstrations. (Image: Mick Howes)

Enabling children to experience real-life situations through talks and theatre-based scenarios, organisers said that the last event was held in 2019 with Crucial Crew having been cancelled the past two years amid the continuing coronavirus crisis.  This year saw the biggest ever turnout of youngsters given recycling tips, while learning how to stay safe online among other scenarios. Crucial Crew demonstrations (Image: Mick Howes)

Event co-organiser and Rotarian Brian Hunter said: “It’s been brilliant. “The Crucial Crew journey began 16 years ago, when we contacted all primary schools with year six classes in the Waveney district. Crucial Crew demonstrations. (Image: Mick Howes)

“The 34 schools were invited to attend a Crucial Crew event featuring eight scenarios designed to give the pupils an on-site opportunity how to keep safe in their daily lives. Crucial Crew demonstrations. (Image: Mick Howes) “The event was originally organised by Suffolk Constabulary, who then transferred the organising responsibilities to Waveney District Council.

“Now, after many years presenting the event, the three Rotary Clubs in Lowestoft organise Crucial Crew with grateful support from associated organisations in and around the district. Crucial Crew demonstrations. (Image: Mick Howes) “Crucial Crew is appreciative of being able to hold the event at the premises of Lowestoft Community Church.”

Crucial Crew demonstrations. (Image: Mick Howes) With eight different scenarios, the topics covered were community safety presented by Suffolk Police; fire safety presented by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service; first aid advice and personal safety if encountering a road traffic accident presented by St John Ambulance; beach safety presented by Lowestoft Volunteer Corps; risky rubbish presented by Lowestoft Rotary Club; money awareness and loan sharks presented by Trading Standards together with Lowestoft Rotary Club; substance and drug respect presented by Suffolk Turning Point and a truck safe demonstration presented by Peter Colby Commercials. Mr Hunter added: “Around 35 volunteers are needed each week to run the event – coming from Rotary clubs, other organisations, friends and supporters.

Crucial Crew volunteers. (Image: Mick Howes)

“Volunteers are asked to ‘sign up’ for specific duties, or days, and the event could not happen without this small army of support.”