‘It might be Halloween but don’t let health and safety fears stop young people getting involved in volunteering and social action’ says British Safety Council.
The British Safety Council is supporting an ambitious national campaign to encourage more young people to take practical action in the service of others. A new website launched today to support the #iwill campaign, provides information and assurance to those who want to promote social action and volunteering among 10-20 year-olds.
The #iwill campaign aims to make social action part of life for an additional 1.5 million young people by the year 2020. Launched by HRH The Prince of Wales, this UK-wide initiative has cross-party backing and is already working with more than 300 partner organisations from across the business, education and voluntary sectors.
Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, explains that “with stories in the press about health and safety red-tape and risk-averse authorities, there is a perception that health and safety is something to be feared”.
“In fact the UK is a pretty safe country. Many of the tasks involved in youth social action will be low risk and, besides, we should trust more and fear less. More significant risks can be effectively dealt with by taking simple precautions.”
“That is why I’m really delighted the British Safety Council is involved in this brilliant campaign. I want to counter any idea that health and safety is something to fear. Sensible risk management is enabling and not inhibiting. After all, young people can’t help communities if they are unsafe.”
Charlotte Hill, CEO of Step Up To Serve, the charity behind the #iwill campaign says, “There is huge benefit to growing the number of young people who are active in communities across the UK. So dispelling health and safety myths around involving them in social action is a significant step -and who better to support us in doing this than the British Safety Council.”
The resources on the new website include a practical guide to how the law applies in the world of volunteering, a simple approach to assessing more significant risks and the factors that can affect the health and safety of young people. A short animation video spells out the message that young people should be trusted to make a contribution to society and that many are already doing so.
The website can be accessed here : BritSafe
Prepared by : Sharon Steed
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