Hundreds of pupils get hands-on advice in joint Arun and Chichester safety event

More than 850 year six pupils from schools across Arun and Chichester took part in a Junior Citizen's safety event held at Goodwood Racecourse. The event which ran over eight days in April, gave young people practical, hands‑on advice to help them stay safe and make positive choices, as they prepare for the move to secondary school and greater independence. The Junior Citizen's programme includes a wide range of partner organisations, giving pupils the opportunity to learn directly from safety professionals in a supportive and engaging environment. Sessions covered key safety and wellbeing topics including:

• police guidance on personal safety and stranger awareness
• Fire and Rescue Service advice on fire prevention and what to do in an emergency
• CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training and basic lifesaving skills from the Ambulance Service
• railway safety education delivered jointly by Southern Rail, Govia Thameslink Railway and Network Rail
• on-line safety advice from West Sussex County Council's Digital Safety team
• district and county council guidance on food waste, recycling and environmental responsibility
• mental health and emotional wellbeing support from 'Thought‑Full' (a mental health support service working with schools across West Sussex)

The event, proudly sponsored by the Arun and Chichester Community Safety Partnerships, highlighted their shared commitment to early intervention, community safety and helping young people develop essential life skills. By encouraging active participation and discussion, the Junior Citizen's event helps build pupils' confidence, resilience and awareness, enabling them to better recognise potential risks and understand where to go for help if they need it.