13 Sep 2018
by Orielle, Peer education
On Sunday afternoon (31st May 2015) the crowds flocked to Eglinton Country Park in North Ayrshire to visit Safe-t In The Park – a multi agency safe summer event.
Coordinated by Police Scotland, the event provided fun and interactive opportunities for young people and families to learn about staying safe online, at the coast, near railways, around building sites and on the road.
A fantastic team of Police Scotland Youth Volunteers were also at the event and two of them joined Campus Officer PC Scott Murray to run a No Knives Better Lives ‘win or no win’ themed challenge. Visitors to the stand were asked questions by the Youth Volunteers and then chose a box to open for an option to win No Knives Better Lives merchandise. The fun and interactive element was very popular and gave the Campus Officer and Youth Volunteers the opportunity to speak to the visitors about the issues around knife crime and interpersonal violence.
Chief Inspector Brian Shaw, Area Commander in North Ayrshire, commented “we estimate between 3,500 and 4,000 people came down to Eglinton Park today to join police and partners in thinking about how we can all stay safe this summer.
“The emergency service vehicles proved a hit while the interactive displays around fly-tipping, fire setting, stranger danger and building sites provided us with opportunities to engage with young people and encourage them to make positive choices this summer.”
“I would like to thank everyone who came along and to all our partner organisations who participated in the event.”
Police also took the opportunity to broadcast live video from the event on the new social media platform ‘Periscope’ – with hundreds of people around the world joining in the conversation online.