Empowering Communities

Road Safety

The casualty data shows that young people are at a high risk of being involved in a road traffic collision. This is due to a combination of youth and inexperience. This makes young people more likely to take risks but less able to spot hazards and know how to deal with them safely.

HOPE has recently received National Lottery grant funding to prioritise engagement specifically with young people aged 13 to 18 years old who are not in mainstream education.

This is important work for us, as this age group are becoming new road users and can be easily influenced by their peers. We have seen the devastating consequences of irresponsible driving and are working hard to prevent this.

We have developed a programme of activity which can be offered via pupil referral units, alternative educational provision and other out-of-school groups and projects for young people.

The one-hour sessions aim to influence attitudes and change behaviour towards safer road use, especially for those young people travelling by car.

The sessions are delivered by ex-emergency service workers who have attended and witnessed first-hand the devastating consequences of road traffic collisions. Their experiences can offer a rea life perspective for the young people.

We use extracts from the hard-hitting Collision film which was commissioned by the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership for use in schools across the county. This was filmed in South Yorkshire using local actors and depicts the lead up to a road traffic collision involving two groups of young people.

Prompted by the film, we discuss with the young people key road safety issues which could impact them when travelling by car. We aim to help them to recognise some of the possible triggers to unsafe behaviours and actions. The presenters will then support the young people in developing appropriate coping strategies to avoid potentially dangerous situations and help them to become safer road users.

Importantly, due to the work HOPE does to support the family and friends of road traffic collision victims, we can offer help to anyone who has been bereaved in this way or who has witnessed a traumatic incident. This can include home visits, walks, peer support groups and spending time with HOPE’s therapy dog, Oliver.

We have delivered the Collision package to almost 3,500 young people across South Yorkshire. Both students and teachers have found this to be an impactful session offering relevant and relatable content which makes a positive impression on the young people.

This is important work for us, as this age group are becoming new road users and can be easily influenced by their peers. We have seen the devastating consequences of irresponsible driving and are working hard to prevent this.

If you would like us to run a session at your school or organisation, leave us a message on 0114 227 0105 or send us an email at info@hope-sy.org.uk. For more information or to book a session, please contact our Collision Project Co-ordinator via email at joanne@hope-sy.org.uk or phone 07864 613139.

road safety resources and information

The road safety charity Brake website for further information about young driver safety Young drivers | Brake

The South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership website, offering advice for younger drivers and passengers South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (sysrp.co.uk)

The Highways England Driving Hub for young drivers using high speed roads Home – Driving Hub

The Government’s THINK! Website for educational resources Explore education resources – THINK! and road safety campaigns Campaigns – THINK!

The AA providing advice for young drivers and passengers Advice and tips for young drivers | The AA

Home Safety

We work alongside South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s, Safe and Well service, to check with people if they have working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are incredibly important in alerting residents of danger and are proven to increase survival in the event of a house fire. Smoke alarms are easy to install and require little maintenance, but one day could save you and your family’s life.

Have you tested your smoke alarm this month?

Take 2 minutes to test it now. Press the test button – you should be able to hear it from all parts of your home. Also check that it is free from dust. You should check your smoke alarm once a month.

If you would like to organise a home safety check, call us on 0114 227 0105 or email us at info@hope-sy.org.uk.

For more information on smoke alarms, visit South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s website: http://www.syfire.gov.uk/safety-advice/smoke-alarms/