Children only get 18 summers – let’s make this a safe one

FEARLESS LAUNCHES SUMMER CAMPAIGN

Fearless, the youth service of Crimestoppers, has launched its earliest ever summer campaign across Scotland to help young people stay safe from the very start of the holidays.

Supported by Network Rail Scotland, the campaign launches today, weeks before schools break up – so young people hear these messages before summer reaches its peak. It focuses on making positive choices, staying safe online, violence prevention, looking out for each other and knowing how to speak up 100% anonymously if they are worried about crime.

It also comes ahead of key moments in the summer calendar, including the end of exams and major events and festivals across Scotland, when more young people are out and about, travelling and spending time in new places with friends.

Throughout the summer, Fearless will be out in communities, transport hubs and at major events including Youth Beatz and TRNSMT, speaking directly with young people. The campaign offers practical, non-judgemental support wherever young people spend their time. It will also run across TikTok and Snapchat, with content shaped by young people themselves and grounded in the reality of their lives.

Through fearless.org, young people can share information about crime 100% anonymously. No names. No contact details. No way of tracing where potentially lifesaving information came from.

 Lyndsay McDade, Fearless National Manager for Scotland, said: “As a mum to teenagers, I’m very aware that children only get 18 summers before adulthood. I want this to be a great one for young people right across Scotland.

“I want all young people to enjoy themselves, get home safely every day and feel supported to make good choices. That’s what summer should be.

“That’s why we’re launching our campaign earlier than ever, with more visibility and more time spent where young people are, giving them the information and conversations they need to navigate the holidays.

“If you work with or look after young people, please tell them about our charity. They can follow us on our new Scotland TikTok @Fearless_Scot and use our website fearless.org to get the information they need to keep them safe.

“We all need to be there for young people this summer. We need to be present. We need to recognise that they belong in our communities and show them that we believe in them.”

Innis Keith, Health, Safety and Environment Director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Thousands of journeys are made safely every day on Scotland’s Railway.

“The real risk comes from poor decisions like trespassing, taking shortcuts, or trying to take photos or videos near the tracks. Moments like these can have life‑changing or fatal consequences.

“Through Fearless, we want young people to understand that their choices in those moments really matter.

“The campaign gives them the confidence to look out for themselves and their friends, to speak up when something feels wrong, and to make better decisions around the railway.

“When they feel informed and supported, it’s more likely they’ll make choices that get them home safely.”

NHS 24: Sun Safety Tips

It’s set to be a scorcher over much of Scotland this weekend 🥵 If you’re planning to be outdoors follow our sun safety tips:

☀️ Taps aff? Slap the sun cream on!

Don’t be stingy, slather on a minimum of SPF 30 (but SPF 50 is even better!) over any exposed skin.

💧 Hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE!

Don’t wait till your gaspin’. Drink regularly throughout the day – water and diluted juice are good choices, but ice poles and ice lollies count too. It might be tempting to crack out the beers when it is hot, but remember alcohol is a diuretic meaning it can cause dehydration. Alternate any alcoholic drinks with water or just juice.

🌡️ Hide during the hottest temperatures

The sun is at it’s sassiest between 11am and 3pm and UV levels are at their highest. Try to keep in the shade as much as possible during these times.

👒 Cover up those pasty bits!

You might want to shed some clothing when it’s roastin’, but your skin will thank you if it’s kept covered up. Think loose, cool fabrics like cotton, your fave pair of sunnies 🕶️, and a big hat to keep the lugs, face and neck protected.

🍼 Mind those that need some extra help

Wee tots shouldn’t be in any direct sunlight for any length of time. Babies and bairns can get overheated quickly, so keep a close eye and make sure they are dressed properly for the hot weather.

Keep a check on the auld yins and anyone who has a long-term medical condition too

For more guidance and advice on how to stay safe in hot weather check out our page on #NHSinform

Police Scotland: Staying safe on the hills and mountains

Planning to shake off the festive cobwebs on Scotland’s hills and mountains?

Be prepared and #ThinkWinter👇

🔦 Day light is limited. Be prepared for darkness with torches.

🌤️Check an official mountain forecast before you set out.

🏘️ Always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return.

📵 Don’t rely on your mobile phone and carry a power bank.

❄️ Be prepared for winter weather. Carry extra layers and equipment for walking on snow and ice.

🗺️ Never be afraid to turn back or change plans.

To learn more about navigating and preparing for walks, climbs and hikes in winter, visit our partners at Mountaineering Scotland

https://orlo.uk/cQyKQ

Winter conditions on Scotland’s hills and mountains can bring challenges for even the most experienced hill walkers.

Before you set out, #ThinkWinter

👇
🌨️

 Check an official mountain forecast – not the forecast for the car park.

❄️

Prepare for freezing temperatures and dress appropriately. Pack extra layers and equipment for walking in snow and ice.

🗺️

 Bring a map and compass and know how to use them. Don’t rely on your mobile phone for navigation.

🔦

 Daylight in winter is limited – plan your route and bring a torch.

😥

 Ensure your route is keeping with your fitness and experience.

🏠

 Always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be home.

❗

 Never be afraid to adapt your plans or turn back.

Visit Scottish Mountain Rescue and Mountaineering Scotland for more advice on preparing for venturing outdoors this winter 

➡️

https://orlo.uk/EV2a9

Children learn how to stay safe near Edinburgh construction site

A five-star housebuilder hosted an interactive site safety discussion at Frogston Primary School recently to remind children of the dangers of its nearby building sites at Heritage Grange in Edinburgh.

Barratt Developments PLC, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, hosted a site safety session during a school assembly on Monday 30th May. The session took the pupils through the dangers of construction sites, how to stay safe near them, the developments themselves and site worker safety.

Lorraine Lawrie, Head Teacher at Frogston Primary School said: “Pupils at Frogston Primary School had a great time during their visit from Stewart at Barratt Developments.

“They enjoyed the site safety presentation, which was both fun and interactive but also emphasised the importance of being safe near building sites. A highlight for the children was dressing up in Barratt’s PPE equipment.

“This was a great educational experience to have ahead of the summer holidays.”

Stewart Ponton, Safety, Health and Environment Operations Manager for Barratt Developments PLC said: “Our site managers are very aware of the attractiveness of construction sites to children. While they might look like fun obstacle courses or play parks, the fact of the matter is that they are extremely dangerous.

“It is our duty of care to the people of Edinburgh, among the many other communities in which we operate, to provide local schools like Frogston Primary School with the proper information on how the pupils can stay safe.”

Barratt Developments have a range of three bed homes at DWH @ Heritage Grange. Situated next to the Pentland Hills in the south of Edinburgh and surrounded by beautiful countryside views and lots of open space, this development makes the perfect location to enjoy a combination of country and city living.

For more information on current availability at DWH @ Heritage Grange, visit https://www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/dev000330-dwh-@-heritage-grange/

Staying safe over Hogmanay

People should ’know who to turn to’ for health advice ahead of the New Year weekend. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith says it’s really important to know where to go for help over New Year, with seasonal illnesses such as flu and norovirus rising and further weather warnings for snow and ice that can lead to road accidents, slips and falls. Continue reading Staying safe over Hogmanay