Events at two Tipton schools to help students stay safe and healthy have been hailed as

“fantastic”. Around 180 students at RSA Academy and 120 at ACE Academy took part in the safeguarding days. The success of the events could lead to similar events at other schools around the borough. Sandwell Police and Sandwell Council's area working and anti-social behaviour officers, together with partners such as Decca (Drug Education, Counselling and Confidential Advice) Team, Sandwell Women’s Aid and Rewind UK, put on the events.

They chatted with young people around subjects including drugs and alcohol, healthy relationships and anti-social behaviour. Sarah Barnes, vice principal at RSA Academy, described the day as “fantastic” and said the impact on students and staff was amazing.

She said: “The day was an absolute success on every level. Students engaged with a whole range of vital information and learning through the skilfully-led and crafted sessions delivered by the agencies involved. “These sessions helped our young people understand the responsibilities, challenges and differing roles that people have in life. “They gained essential learning to equip them to grow up happily, healthily and safely as part of an ever-changing community and society.

Students and staff loved it!” PC Hughie Treasure, Sandwell Police youth engagement officer, said: "The Safeguarding Days at RSA Academy and Ace academy went very well and seemed to be well received by the pupils. “The young people showed a great amount of enthusiasm across all subjects and took on board the information delivered by all the chosen agencies. “With 400 young people being given the safeguarding messages we hope that this will strengthen the community in Tipton. “With the verbal feedback I have received, it give us confidence that the rest of Sandwell schools could benefit from a Safeguarding Day.”

Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “These events are a great way to engage with young people, not just to offer them advice and support but also to hear their views.” Andrew Clarke, Tipton neighbourhood manager at Sandwell Council, said: "With the real success of the events at RSA and ACE, we hope to be able to roll this programme of work out to other Sandwell schools to help our young people prepare for the future."

For further information please contact: Sandwell Council Communications Unit 0121 569 3031

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