Preventative Education

Two of our young Volunteers acting out the runaway scenario at Magna

The preventative programme, which aims to educate and inform children and young people about the risks and dangers of running away from home started delivery in September 2008.  Since then the project has delivered short drama based scenarios at the South Yorkshire Police Lifewise Centre as part of the Crucial Crew project to all year 6 children from Rotherham and Barnsley primary schools.  The project has also visited almost all mainstream secondary schools, special schools, some primary schools (in addition to the work delivered at crucial crew) and a large number of youth clubs in Rotherham. 

As a result of this work in Barnsley and Rotherham over 15,000 children from years 6, 7, 8 and 9 have had contact with SAFE@LAST in various exciting ways which include interactive role play at the Lifewise Centre, workshops, corridor events, assemblies and youth clubs. The MISPER team has worked with a significant number of young people who have accessed the project through this engagement and it is important to note that children who come to us via this route tend to have very complex needs which include poor mental health, family conflict, bereavement, domestic violence, homelessness, parental separation and parents with alcohol issues.

Katie Eastburn, our Runaways Education Officer has been well supported by a committed team of volunteers.  Volunteers have been involved in the delivery of all aspects of the project including the presentation at Crucial Crew of the drama scenario.

We will shortly be launching this programme in Sheffield, thanks to the support of Railway Children and Aviva and hope to be able to deliver the programme in Doncaster in the near future.

If you are a teacher or other professional who would like to know more about this project please email or call Clare Sherratt on 01909 566977.

Katie Eastburn, Runaway Education Officer with the

High Sheriff at the

Lifewise Centre, Magna