Junior Life Skills events teach important life skills

South Hams District Council is pleased to announce the successful completion of another year of Junior Life Skills. The initiative, aimed at equipping young people with essential life skills, saw enthusiastic participation from schools across the District.

Aimed at Year 6 pupils, the children gain practical knowledge and skills that will help them safely navigate various real-life situations. The events are part of the Council’s priority to enhance the wellbeing of communities across the District.

This year's program included workshops on resuscitation, fire safety, online and telephone safety, lifesaving and a brand new session on meditation to help children learn to create a meditative, calming experience to aid relaxation and a sense of peace. The interactive sessions were conducted by experts, ensuring the students received high-quality training.

Following the meditation session, one Y6 pupil shared his feelings to the group: “I have ADHD and anger issues and I’ve found the sounds today have really helped to calm me down.”

Cllr Julian Brazil, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Community Development, commented: "The Junior Life Skills events are incredibly important to help keep children safe. Our aim is to provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed choices by understanding some of the dangers around them.

“As always, there has been fantastic attendance from local schools and the children have enthusiastically launched themselves into each scenario. Our thanks as always go to the numerous organisations who help make these events a success.”

We are grateful for the support of Devon and Cornwall Police, Helen Sound Meditation, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, RNLI, National Grid, EE, South West Water, South Hams District Council Environmental Health, Great Western Railway, Wales and West Utilities, and the Royal Life Saving Society. Their involvement was invaluable in making the events both informative and engaging.

The Council would specifically like to thank Fusion Lifestyle for helping to arrange the series of events and also for hosting them within their centres. As a thank you for their participation, swim vouchers were given to all children who attended the event.

Karen Dent, Junior Life Skills Coordinator for Fusion said: “We are delighted to be involved with such an important programme.  Giving guidance to children as they navigate their way through their lives is so rewarding. Fusion is committed to supporting the health and wellness of our local communities and we are very proud of the work we are doing in partnership with West Devon Council.”