Safety day for deaf students

Safety day for deaf students

A workshop organised by police in Rochdale has taught deaf and hard of hearing pupils how to stay safe and secure.

The event at Hopwood Hall College was organised by PC Daniel Shirazi of Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team.

During the day, pupils with hearing impairments were shown a presentation on how to keep safe when out on their own.

It included a number of scenarios such as what to do if there is a break-in at your home or if you’re neighbours are harassing you, how to protect your home and what happens when you are called by police to be a witness to a crime.

PC Shirazi said: “We are hoping that the pupils will have left the event with more knowledge on how they can improve their quality of life while also learning how they can stay safe and secure, which is essential to ensuring their independence, health and wellbeing.”

Elaine Butterworth from Hopwood Hall College, said: “I thought that the workshop was very useful for deaf students. They enjoyed learning new things and it broke the ice, giving the police and students the opportunity to work together.

“Before this the pupils didn’t have the confidence to talk to police and now they can”

Pupils were presented with a goody bag at the end of the day, which included personal safety and security advice as well as contact numbers for the local police. They were also given a fluorescent jacket provided by Star News in Rochdale.