Local charity HOPE is wishing one of its long-time road safety presenters a fond farewell as he leaves to take on new adventures.
Keith was formerly a fire fighter for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, finishing his career working in community safety. Following retirement, he has worked with HOPE since 2017 delivering the Collision road safety workshop for young people in schools. Over the last 2 years he has helped HOPE to target young people not in mainstream education, via deliveries for students in alternative education provision and out of school settings.
HOPE’s Collision project co-ordinator Joanne says, “Keith’s experience as a fire fighter, who has attended numerous serious and fatal road traffic collisions, has been invaluable in providing real life testimony of the impact and consequences of these incidents. This really emphasises to young people that road traffic collisions are actual events that could happen to anyone, including them.
“We’re very grateful to Keith for helping us to convey the important road safety messages to students and for his honest and candid input which really holds the young people’s attention.
“We shall miss Keith, but we wish him all the best in his new adventures.”
The Collision road safety presentation focuses on the safety of young people when travelling by car, either as passengers or drivers, as they start to become more independent travellers. It uses an extract from a hard-hitting film called Collision to prompt discussion with the young people, helping them to recognise some of the possible triggers to unsafe behaviours and how they themselves can avoid these situations.
As a charity, HOPE also supports people who have had a loved one killed in a road traffic collision or who have witnessed a fatal crash. So, if anyone in the group has been through this and needs assistance, a referral can be made straight away. HOPE offers both emotional and practical support to bereaved families. This can include home visits, walks, peer support groups and spending time with our therapy dog, Oliver.
For more information or to book a session please get in touch. Email joanne@hope-sy.org.uk or telephone 07864 613139.
View a short film on the HOPE website providing more information about the Collision session Road Safety – HOPE South Yorkshire
