Over 1,600 Primary School Pupils Take Part in BeeSafe Events

Over 1,600 P7 school children from across Newry, Mourne and Down took part in BeeSafe events, held at various locations across the district between 19 January and 6 February.

The multi-agency initiative, organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, is designed to help children learn how to keep themselves safe and avoid potentially dangerous situations, particularly as they prepare for the important transition to secondary education.

The Council delivered the proactive community safety programme in partnership with a range of key organisations, with events combining expert advice, practical guidance and interactive activities. This approach ensured pupils were able to engage with vital safety messages in a fun, accessible and memorable way.

The workshops covered a wide range of safety and wellbeing topics including Home Accident Prevention and Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing delivered by the Council, Internet Safety presented by the PSNI, Bus Safety facilitated by Translink, Fire Safety in the Home co-ordinated by Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Water Safety provided by RNLI, and Nutrition information presented by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.

Each session was tailored to be age-appropriate and interactive, giving pupils the opportunity to ask questions, take part in demonstrations and gain practical advice they can use in everyday life. Teachers accompanying the pupils also welcomed the programme as a valuable support to classroom learning.

Speaking about the initiative, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “I am delighted that these events have been organised for primary seven pupils across the district. This initiative is a great example of how agencies are working together across Newry, Mourne and Down to achieve a successful outcome.

“I know that the children and teachers have benefited from taking part in the workshops and trust that this will stand them in good stead as they move from primary into secondary education, equipping the children with some key life skills to stay safe and keep well.”

The Council would like to thank all partner agencies, schools and staff who supported the delivery of the BeeSafe programme and helped make the events such a success. The initiative forms part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting community safety, wellbeing and positive outcomes for young people across the district.