RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

June 4, 2007
RoSPA PRAISES SCOTLAND’S “RISK FACTORY” FOR CHILDREN

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents today welcomed the establishment of the first purpose-built centre in Scotland to help children learn how to cope with risks.

The Risk Factory will be officially opened tomorrow (2pm Tuesday, June 5) and will serve people in the Edinburgh and Lothian area.

More than 8,000 primary school children are expected to attend in the first year to identify and experience potentially dangerous situations and understand how to keep themselves and others safe.

The centre in New Mart Road, Edinburgh, has realistic sets including a road, house, bus, farmyard, beach and building site. It will be used to create challenging situations youngsters are likely to encounter in everyday life so that they know how to deal with them.

Errol Taylor, RoSPA's Deputy Chief Executive, who will be at the launch said: “We are delighted with the opening of the Risk Factory, where people - especially children - can learn about safety by experiencing risk.

“In today's increasingly sedentary and over-protective environment, where computer games and cars have replaced walking to school or building dens in the woods, children are no longer learning simple practical skills such as judging speeds and distances.

“It is vital for them to recognise the potentially hazardous objects or situations they could meet at any time in everyday life. They need to have the knowledge and skills to be able to cope with the hazards without getting themselves or their friends injured.

“Setting up a project like the Risk Factory requires a tremendous effort from a dedicated team of volunteers as well as professionals. We would like to thank and congratulate everyone involved.”

RoSPA is one of more than 50 partners from local and national organisations which have helped to set up the centre with sponsorship from local companies and leadership from Edinburgh City Council.

The Society used its experience with similar centres in England (see www.lasersafety.org.uk ) to assist in planning and providing best safety-education practice, as well as training volunteers in home safety issues.

Although primarily aimed at children, the scenarios can be adapted for use by all ages and community groups. They tackle everything from what to do in a house fire to dealing with bogus callers.