LV Streetwise celebrates 10^th anniversary

Positively influencing the lives of over 115,000 young people in the decade since it was first established, LV Streetwise recently celebrated their 10^th Anniversary at the award winning interactive safety centre in Bournemouth.

Celebrities Nick Berry and Kate Hoey MP returned to show their continued support exactly a decade since they first opened the safety centre in 1998. They were joined by civic dignitaries and the highest representatives of Dorset Police with Chief Constable Martin Baker in attendance, Darren Gunter, Chief Fire Officer from Dorset Fire and Rescue, Mike Emsley, Chair of Trustees, The High Sheriff of Dorset, John Raymond, Sir John Butterfill MP, and Media and Communications Director of Dorset Police Andy Saunders MBE. PC Saunders project managed the building of the safety centre which demonstrates above all else, the triumphs of partnership working.

Coinciding with Road Safety Week, the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the safety and security of young people today. Every day on UK roads, nine people are killed and nearly ten times as many are seriously injured. LV Streetwise alerts young people to these and other dangers in every day life in an effort to prevent accidents.

High Sheriff of Dorset John Raymond welcomed over 100 guests which also included Mayors and Chairmen from across the county, councilors, sponsors and supporters and a host of LV Streetwise volunteer safety guides. He also took the opportunity to mention the re-launch of Dorset Crimebeat which is operated through LV Streetwise and offers grants to young people to encourage them to get involved with crime reduction activities and create safer communities.

Kate Hoey MP said “Having opened the safety centre a decade ago, I am astounded at the progress. I did say it would be a beacon and today it clearly is. The partnership work demonstrated by the emergency services, the dedicated team and volunteers bring so much to the centre and because of the ways it’s been designed it offers fun and education. I hope to be back in another 10 years to celebrate the centre’s third decade. LV has shown imagination and foresight and this centre is an outstanding model of good practice for the rest of the country.”

Chief Constable Martin Bakersaid, “I am privileged and proud to be involved in LV Streetwise where people are relentlessly doing something good and Dorset Police are very proud of their involvement over the years. Money salvaged from crime was used to build the police station within the safety centre. This amounted to £2m last year and £1.2m this year and is an excellent way of putting ill gained money to good use.”

Chief Fire Officer Darren Gunter commented during his speech, “Shaping, leading and steering young people could save lives now and in the future. There is no better rescue strategy than prevention and LV Streetwise saves lives by educating, informing and inspiring our young people. The team at LV Streetwise and all the partners involved have shown that tenacity and teamwork saves lives. We are all indebted to them for their unwavering efforts.”

A nostalgic video of the building and development of the safety centre, compiled by Mike Warr – retired Dorset Police video producer and former BBC executive, was shown to the audience and a spectacular birthday cake provided by ‘Speciality Cakes’ made quite a centre piece. The fountain candles were safely lit with due caution by Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter.

Custom Security Services generously put the interactive element into the event, contributing time and equipment which allowed guests to view the safety tours taking place throughout the centre from a multimedia screen. The generosity of local businesses was evident in every aspect of the day and it is such innovation which makes LV Streetwise a fun environment for young people to learn about such serious matters.

Dean Thomas, winner of the 1999 slogan competition whose strap-line is still used for the safety centre today; ‘LV Streetwise Saves Lives’ was welcomed back and fondly shared with the audience personal memories of his visit over nine years ago.

LV Streetwise is supported by a dedicated team of staff who, since joining in the early days, have been together ever since and over 50 volunteer safety guides generously give up their time to take visiting children on guided tours around the safety village. However, as the number of children attending is increasing year on year, the safety centre is always in urgent need of more volunteers who are available during the day in school term time.

Nick Berry, who attended with wife Rachel and his boys Louis and Finley was thrilled to be back and said “When Streetwise first launched we were filming Harbour Lights in West Bay. This time round my children are thirteen and ten so anything that involves common sense will be good for them. As a father the one thing I know that’s lacking now is that kids can be so hung up on their computer games, they don’t get out and don’t look outside the window, so this is a great place for them to come to.”

For more information about visiting, volunteering or supporting the safety centre ring (01202) 591330 or visit www.streetwise.org.uk

For information about Dorset Crimebeat contact Lynette Weedon on (01202) 593333

The dedicated team at LV Streetwise celebrate - L to R; Cliff Godwin (Finance Officer), Gordon Kerr (Site Supervisor), Helen Bromley (Administration Officer), Nick Berry, Alison Shelton (Centre Manager), Pete Isaacs (Deputy Manager), Sir John Butterfill and Nick’s wife Rachel.

 

 

The ceremonial cutting of the cake using the High Sheriff’s sword. From L to R; Centre Manager Alison Shelton, Andy Saunders (Media and Communications Director, Dorset Police), Kate Hoey MP, Martin Baker (Chief Constable, Dorset Police), John Raymond (High Sheriff of Dorset), Mike Emsley (Chair of Trustees) and Nick Berry.

Darran Gunter (left), Chief Fire Officer Dorset Fire & Rescue Service, lighting the candles on the birthday cake from Speciality Cakes in Kinson.

 

 

 

 

PC Berry x 2
at the LV= Streetwise
police station!!