Southmead resident Judy Lee has received an award from Lifeskills Safety Education Centre for helping over 4,000 children Year 6 (ages 10- 11) to learn how to keep themselves and those around them safe.
Since joining Lifeskills as a volunteer in 2003, Judy has completed over 1,000 safety tours for the charity, based at The Create Centre, Bristol.
Lifeskills provides a unique visitor experience. In small groups children take a guided, interactive tour of realistic ‘film set styled’ scenarios. They experience lots of common hazards and are taught how to handle risky day-to-day situations in a safe environment. Scenes include ‘Green Cross Road’, a dark alleyway, and even a beach! They also get to practise making emergency 999 calls, discover and react to a house fire, carry out first aid, and learn about the consequences of trespassing on a railway line – all made realistic with the use of props and special effects.
Upon receiving her reward, Judy said, “It’s a privilege to have worked with so many children and like-minded volunteers over the years. Although every group is different, the level of excitement and willingness to take part is always the same. Such a rewarding way to spend my time.”
Gemma Graville, Centre Manager said, “Teaching children at this age and in such a practical way alerts them to the risks and consequences of everyday life. It’s a valuable element to their education which means that school visits are always in high demand.”
“We know what we do makes a difference and saves lives; one child helped his family escape a house fire, another prevented a gas explosion, and a boy knew how to make a 999 call to help his mother. None of this would be possible with volunteers like Judy”
Lifeskills need more volunteers and are running hour-long ‘taster sessions’ for anyone interested in exploring volunteering with children. Open during term-time only, Lifeskills offers flexible volunteering, pays volunteer expenses, and provides full training and support. To find out more, contact Sam Jury on 0117 922 4511 or email volunteer@lifeskills-bristol-org.uk.
