Ref: PR 2351
Date: 06/10/2009 
 
The Wakefield Together Partnership held an education day at Knottingley High School for year 7 pupils focusing on issues such as railway safety, youth crime and alcohol and drugs.

The Partnership discussed with pupils aspects such as what constitutes youth crime and anti-social behaviour and railway safety. Pupils also learnt about the affects of alcohol and were given the opportunity to wear special beer goggles which had the effect of making pupils feel as if they had consumed excessive alcohol.

The day also taught pupils about the cost of environmental crime like graffiti and littering and how this links to anti-social behaviour, as well as the illegal riding of bikes.

Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Cohesion and Community Safety, Councillor Olivia Rowley said: "The Wakefield Together partnership is able to work towards a number of common aims such as providing a safe and secure school community which enhances the learning environment as well as reducing the prevalence of crime and anti social behaviour amongst young people. Additionally, people are empowered to inform other members of their family, thus benefiting more people in the community."

Emma Twort, Head of Year 7 at the School, added: "It was a fantastic and extremely informative day, engaging for both pupils and teachers. It was great watching the pupils enjoyment getting to know and working with the local police officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team."

Media are invited to similar education days which will take at the following schools across the district:

• November 3 - Castleford High School
• December 15 - Featherstone High School
• January 20 - Wakefield City High School
• January 27 - Carleton Community High School
• March 30 - Hemsworth Arts and Community College
• July 2 - St Wilfrid’s Catholic High School
• July 13 - Kings School

Wakefield Together Partnership includes West Yorkshire Police, British Transport Police, Wakefield and District Housing, NHS Wakefield District and the Council.