08/04/2004

Spellar launches safety poster competition

Criminal Justice Minister, John Spellar has urged budding young artists to design posters to highlight the issue of safety for older people.

This initiative is the latest to be launched under the Government's Stay Safe, Stay Secure campaign which aims to provide practical help and advice to older people about community safety.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of a competition through which primary schools will be invited to submit posters from pupils on the theme of "better safety for older people". Cash prizes are on offer across two age categories to the schools and pupils that come up with the best ideas.

Mr Spellar said: "Reports of attacks on older people can make children anxious and concerned about their own grandparents and older relatives. This competition should help young people develop a better understanding of community safety issues affecting older people and how they can help. We will be writing to every primary school in Northern Ireland with the details and we would encourage as many as possible to take part."

Stay safe, Stay secure, which was launched in October 2003 aims to provide practical help and advice to older people about community safety issues.

It is supported by a multi-agency partnership which includes Age Concern, Community Safety Unit NIO, Help the Aged NI Federation of Housing Associations, NI Housing Executive and PSNI.

(MB)

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