YEAR One and Two BTEC National Diploma in Care and Health Studies students at Omagh College have been recognised for their contribution at the recent 'Bee Safe Accident Prevention Initiative' in Omagh Leisure Centre co-ordinated by the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) Health Promotion department.

Bee Safe is an imaginative way of teaching Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils how to prevent everyday accidents and dangerous situations, and how to deal with them safely and effectively should they occur. Children move around seven accident-themed scenarios in small groups over either a morning or afternoon session. The sessions are designed to promote a high level of interaction and involvement from pupils.

It is considered that participation in stimulated scenarios in a controlled environment helps children to think for themselves and develop practical experience of preventing and coping with potentially hazardous situations as opposed to simply being taught about managing risk in a classroom.

The initiative is a partnership between statutory and voluntary organisations including the Western Health & Social Care Trust Health Promotion Department, Omagh District Council, Home Accident Prevention Omagh, Northern Ireland Electricity, NI Fire and Rescue Service, the PSNI and the British Red Cross.

A presentation of the certificates was organised at the College this week in recognition of the work of the volunteers in making the scheme a success.

Lesley Finlay, WHSCT Health Promotion Officer and co-ordinator, of Bee Safe said, "The initiative would not have been possible without the support of Omagh College students as we rely on them to guide the children around the scenarios and supervise them throughout their time at Bee Safe."

Ruby Donaghey, Course Co-ordinator at Omagh College commented, "The students really enjoyed participating in Bee Safe and found it a positive experience. They were able to relate it to the course and have used the practical experience gained as examples for their assignment work."

One of the students highlighted the benefits of participating in the initiative, saying, "The Bee Safe programme was a fun way of volunteering as I got to integrate with the children that were participating and share in their enthusiasm."