Safety lessons for uni students

Nov 22 2008 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

STUDENTS are being given lessons in personal safety by Kirklees police.

They will be given the chance to learn the safety skills police officers are taught during their training.

It is hoped the self-defence advice will help protect Huddersfield University students who are out late at night.

The sessions will also include information on how to get about the town, including to and from the various halls of residence dotted around Huddersfield.

Pc Lisa Harley said: “While it is statistically unlikely people will ever need to use their self-defence skills, having them can improve confidence.

“This is simply an extra step we can take to reassure students and show them how to protect themselves.

“Neighbourhood Policing Team officers regularly patrol the area of the university and are on hand to listen to students’ concerns.

“But this training is being provided to educate and remind students of their own responsibility for their safety.

“We are delighted to be able to help the university by providing this training.”

The project follows on from last year’s Safer Walk Scheme, which helped newcomers to the town to settle in safely.

The free personal safety awareness classes are being run in conjunction with the Students’ Union Advice and Information Centre on Monday and Monday, December 1, as part of the SU’s Safety Awareness Campaign.

The classes are being held in the SU building on the Queensgate campus.