Schoolchildren to benefit from new interactive centre

A new interactive learning centre designed to deliver safety advice to local residents is to launch this month following joint work between South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

Based in Rotherham, ‘Lifewise’ will feature a mock town where police, fire and other agencies deliver safety advice to the public. The lifelike set, which was built by the community for the community, has received significant support from local businesses, trades people and volunteers in its creation.

The most popular programme is ‘Crucial Crew’, which is offered to all year six school pupils in South Yorkshire. The module encourages children to participate in a variety of scenarios in different areas of the set, while specialist officers equip the children with the skills and knowledge to make choices in everyday life in order to stay safe and away from criminal activity.

Acting Inspector Andy Harbon, site manager at the Lifewise centre, said: “We’ve had great support all round. The Kier group have donated two joiners and two painters for a fortnight, Arnold Laver Timberworld has donated all of the wood to build the set and Morrisons plc has provided some of its tradespeople to help out, as well as giving great advice on health and safety.

“We’ve also had items and props donated to add to the authenticity of the set, such as a fully-fitted and functioning kitchen from Howdens, a bus from South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and a delivery truck from DHL.”

The centre relocated earlier this year to a new site at Hellaby Industrial Park, enabling a complete revamp of the set with improved houses, park, shops and pub and the addition of new areas such as a courthouse, an internet cafe and an accident and emergency department.