All-Ways Safe & Drive Safe campaign launched to give students extra awareness for dodging danger

Brockenhurst College launched its All-Ways Safe & Drive Safe campaign last month with a multi-agency information and awareness exhibition held on the College’s front lawn.

The all-day event featured demonstrations, talks and activities designed to help young people become better at identifying and avoiding dangerous situations.

Leading topics included personal safety, road safety, sexual health and substance misuse.

Representatives from Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council were on-hand to talk about road safety and speed awareness.

Meanwhile, the Commoners Defence Association was nearby to emphasise the Councils’ messages in the context of animal accidents.

A hard-hitting mock road accident scene was also created to give students an intense reality-check about the consequences of dangerous and/or careless road use.

In addition, vehicle maintenance firm Kwik Fit was there to give advice on checking tyres and brakes, while Dearden Bike Safety gave advice on moped safety through practical workshops in the car park.

Plus, charities Addaction, Victim Support and It’s Your Choice gave information and advice to students on a range of personal issues.

Other well-known government agencies such as the Coastguard, Network Rail, the Highways Agency and South Central Ambulance Service were also present to give expert advice on avoiding danger.

Hampshire Police’s Youth Commission and the RNLI were both there to provide their unique insights as well.

College Principal Di Roberts CBE said: “We take the safety of our students very seriously indeed, including outside of college, which is why we organise events such as this one.

“My most sincere thanks go to all the visiting partners who have undoubtedly heightened awareness among our learners. It has been our best ever event of this kind” she added.

Tony Hockley from the Commoners Defence Association said: “The commoners had a great time testing the college community with our new quiz ‘So you think you know the New Forest?’ This was also useful for our own communication work in our Heritage Lottery-funded Shared Forest project.

“The level of understanding of the harm caused by feeding and petting livestock was reassuring, but we still need to work hard to help people learn about commoners and how they care for their grazing animals, keeping the New Forest such a special and rare place.”