Larkhall youngsters stay safe at this year’s Crucial Crew event

Sep 9 2010 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

YOUNGSTERS from a Larkhall primary were among 3500 children who lined up to take part in this year’s annual Crucial Crew event.

Organised by South Lanarkshire Council, the hugely-popular event is now in its 16th year and kicked off its four-week run last week at James Hamilton Heritage Park, East Kilbride.

Every primary 7 pupil in South Lanarkshire is being given the opportunity to get involved in the event.

Kids from Craigbank Primary School took part in the event last Friday, based around the concept of ‘experiential learning’ and gives a practical insight into a number of real-life scenarios.

By working their way around a series of sets, the youngsters learn first hand how to deal with fire, road accidents and observance, safety near building sites, and on the rail network and transport safety.

They are taught about the dangers of alcohol, drugs and how to deal with bullying.

This year’s event focused on the importance on staying safe online with a full set devoted to the use of the internet.

Councillor Gerry Convery, chairman of Community Resources, said: “Crucial Crew has proven itself over the years to be an excellent exercise in safety learning.

“We are confident that this is one of the best ways to help children to understand about the range of dangerous situations they may one day find themselves.

“Tens of thousands of children have taken part in this event in the last 15 years and we hope that many of them have now taken the lessons learned here well into their adult lives.”

If you are interested in finding out more about Crucial Crew you can watch a feature online now at South Lanarkshire’s YouTube page.

A short film takes a look at the initiative including interviews with the contributors and highlights some of the sets.

Just follow the link to South Lanarkshire Television on the council’s home page at www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk