The ‘Swale Safety in Action’ event took place between Monday 20 and Friday 24 May 2024, and saw more than 16 primary schools take part.

The children attended the Swallows Leisure Centre where they were given advice about the dangers of carrying knives, taking drugs and drinking alcohol. They also received inputs on hate crime, healthy relationships, online safety and road, fire and electrical safety.

The multi-agency event was run by family group Salus, and was supported by Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, the RNLI, Kent County Council and UK Power Networks.

Officers from Swale’s newly formed Child Centre Policing Team were also in attendance during the event. The team works with children and young people throughout the district to provide them with education and safeguarding advice on issues which may affect them.

Sergeant Carli Deacon of Swale’s Community Safety Unit said: ‘This is the third year this event has been organised and it really helps young people at an important time of their life.

‘Becoming more independent and starting secondary school is exciting but also daunting and the aim of this event was to help young people learn about some of the dangers they may face as they embark on this transition.

‘Our officers work across the community and are dedicated to supporting, listening and educating young people. I hope the pupils gained a lot from attending the workshops and that it helps them in making informed positive decisions going forward.’