BARNSLEY, DONCASTER AND ROTHERHAM BLBW SCHOOLS VISIT THE LIFEWISE CENTRE

I had a great day yesterday, at the Lifewise Centre just off the M18, working with a fantastic group of Cutlers' 'Better Learners, Better Workers' Ambassadors from Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham!

The Lifewise Centre is an interactive learning centre for South Yorkshire communities. Featuring a purpose-built film-set, it is used to educate visitors about safety and citizenship with the ultimate aim of reducing crime and improving quality of life. It is an amazing place with three multi-function modern classrooms, the largest of which can seat 85 people, houses, shops, a transport Interchange - with full-size bus. cars, a park, a police station - with cell and custody area, a fire station, a court house, an NHS Accident and Emergency department with GP room and ward, an electrical sub-station, internet café and Busters’ Café. The Centre is a unique collaboration between South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, the NHS, the Safer Roads Partnership, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, Safe@Last, Busters Coffee Shop, In2change and the Silent Voice Campaign.

The day was organised by John Barber and his colleagues from Workwise, and John was supported by colleagues from the Army, South Yorkshire Police, SERO and Sheffield City Council. The Ambassadors completed a series of workshops focused on:

• Team building;
• Health and safety;
• Internet safety;
• Digital skills in employment;
• Appropriate dress and interviews skills; 
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship.

It was wonderful to see nearly 70 young people from BLBW schools across South Yorkshire working together in mixed groups having  great day in their halt-term holidays and building new relationships and making new friends!