Lanarkshire youngsters can feel safer over school summer holidays thanks to new Fearless campaign

Daily Record

5 days ago

Initiative focused on encouraging pro-social choices, preventing violence and raising awareness about the risks of illegal off-road biking.
Lanarkshire youngsters can feel safer over the school summer holidays thanks to a new campaign.
Fearless, the youth service of the charity Crimestoppers, has launched an initiative focused on encouraging pro-social choices, preventing violence and raising awareness about the risks of illegal off-road biking.
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Backed by Network Rail Scotland, the campaign gets underway just as schools across the country begin to break up for the summer.
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As part of the initiative, Fearless will be active on social media platforms most used by young people - including Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram - delivering engaging, youth-focused content that promotes safety and positive decision-making.
In addition, outreach events will take place across Scotland throughout the summer, including a presence at TRNSMT, one of the country's most popular music events.
Fearless will tour communities over the coming weeks, using interactive sessions to connect with young people and encourage them to speak up safely about crime 100 per cent anonymously.
Lyndsay McDade, Fearless Scotland manager at Crimestoppers, said: "We were proud to launch this year's summer campaign with the support of Network Rail Scotland and local partners.
"It was a brilliant way to mark the start of what we hope will be a positive and empowering summer for all young people.
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"The summer holidays can be an exciting time, but we know they can also bring challenges - especially without the routine of school.
"This campaign is all about helping young people make positive choices, look out for their friends, and know where to turn if they want to speak up about crime.
"From understanding the dangers of off-road biking to preventing violence and promoting prosocial behaviour, we're here to support young people across Scotland to stay safe and to remind them that they can always speak up at fearless.org, 100 per cent anonymously. Always."
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Minister for Victims & Community Safety, Siobhian Brown, added: "I am pleased that our partner Fearless continue to use their strength of campaigns to drive positive change to encourage young people to stay safe, as well as recognising the dangers of crime and how to get advice and support when they need it.
"Scotland remains a safe place to live and I hope the positive choices this campaign promotes resonates with all young people to enjoy a safe summer holiday."
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland, said: "Keeping our young people and communities safe throughout the year, as well as during the summer and school holidays, is a priority for Police Scotland officers.
"Police Scotland wholeheartedly supports the Summer Safety campaign and will continue to work in partnership with Fearless and other local and national organisations to help raise awareness of activities that provide opportunities to make positive choices as well as highlight the dangers of becoming involved in some activities."
Innis Keith, health, safety and environment director at Network Rail Scotland, added: "We want young people to enjoy their summer safely, and that includes understanding the very real dangers around the railway.
"This campaign not only raises awareness but also empowers young people to make informed choices and look out for one another.
"We're proud to continue working with Fearless to help keep communities safe and prevent harm before it happens."