Police Scotland along with multiagency partners (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Prison Service and Dumfries and Galloway Local Authority) recently hosted an awards evening, with local schools, at The Bridge in Dumfries, as part of the ‘Your Safety Matters’ and #NotPartOfTheJob initiative.
The multi-agency parters organised a competition for all primary and secondary schools and all U18 Youth Groups across Dumfries and Galloway with the first prize being £1000 of sports equipment, clothing or general equipment.
They were looking for schools and groups to create a message that supports their campaign to help raise awareness and recognise the potential impact of violence and abusive behaviour towards front line staff and emergency workers across Dumfries and Galloway.
Chief Inspector Stephen Bell, from Police Scotland, said
“Between 2021 and 2022 there were 7,858 assaults on emergency workers, an increase of 12% and unfortunately, on average results in 22 emergency workers being assaulted per day in Scotland.
On 28 March 2022, Dumfries and Galloway Division of Police Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Local Authority, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Prison Service launched the Dumfries and Galloway Your Safety Matters Multi-agency campaign.
With all services being committed to safeguarding our emergency workers and frontline staff across Dumfries and Galloway by: Ensuring a safe, healthy and respectful workplace free from violence and abuse Educating our communities on the impacts faces by frontline and emergency service workers It is important that we break the cycle of violence in our communities.
We have so many young talented people across Dumfries and Galloway and this led to us providing the opportunity to all young people to help promote the Your Safety Matters message and the competition being launched.
There was an amazing response with 52 overall entries and 14 entrants being invited to the Your Safety Matters awards which was an opportunity to show case some the work of some real talented artists and actors. The overall quality of the entries was exceptionally high and made it difficult for the judges.
Thank you and very well done to everyone that took the time to research, discuss and promote YOUR SAFETY MATTERS and play an active part in shaping the future where our frontline workers are safe and free from abuse”
Your Safety Matters Awards Night at The Bridge on 8th December 2022.
