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9 August 2001
A charity that helps young victims of crime has again enlisted the help of Countryside Properties in their campaign to promote understanding and awareness of crime and other safety issues that affect the lives of young children. Countryside have been working with the charity 'Child Victims of Crime' for 2 years and this year sponsored Holly Trees primary school in Brentwood as part of the campaign.
On the 9th July, David Ainge, Appeals Co-ordinator for Child Victims of Crime and Suzanne Dudding, Marketing Manager for Countryside Properties' residential division, took the opportunity to talk to the youngsters about these issues. Two educational safety publications were distributed among the children and teachers; 'A Little Ray of Hope', put together by police and social service child protection experts, looks at the ways that different crimes affect different children and offers advice to parents and teachers. 'Will Power's Beware' is a safety guide aimed at educating children on many issues including drug use and misuse, alcohol and bullying.
David Ainge explains, 'The child safety initiative aims to fully inform children so that they are aware of the dangers of the many social issues that are going to influence their lives over the years to come. We have been in contact with schools nationwide to increase awareness and raise the profile of the charity. Last year over 360,000 of these safety publications were distributed into 16,000 schools nationally."
Child Victims of Crime was instigated by members of the British Police Rugby section in 1995, inspired by the explosion of a terrorist bomb in Cheshire that killed two boys and injured or traumatised many other young children. Their aim is to relieve poverty, sickness, trauma and distress amongst children in Britain, who have suffered as a result of a criminal offence.
The charity is administered by serving and retired police officers and support workers. It raises funds through the sales of these publications, which are then distributed by corporate sponsors such as Countryside. Other corporate fundraising events include golf days, rugby matches and various events organised by police officers across the country. The Access Partnership, who produces the educational safety publications, is the charity's main publishers.
Countryside this year targeted Holly Trees primary school in Brentwood, which is close to Clements Park , their exclusive new development of family homes set in parkland of over 100 acres.
Helen Moore, Sales and Marketing Director of Essex based developer Countryside Properties, comments, "We are wholly committed to improving quality of life in the county. We are proud to be involved in this initiative and play an active role in the local community."
David adds, "The charity is indebted to the continued support offered to local school children by Countryside Properties. Their involvement with children of today will hopefully help them to enjoy their future in a less troublesome environment."
To find out more about National Children's Safety Books, visit www.nesb.co.uk or call 08457 413 592. Countryside's website can be found at www.countryside-properties.com.
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Information correct as at 09/08/2001