Unintentional injuries are one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in children, with a social and financial cost to families and local services. Many of these injuries can be anticipated and avoided so reducing the risk from harm and improving safety remains a priority. In addition, the research on adverse childhood experiences has led to focused action across Gloucestershire to identify children at risk of long-term health impact from trauma and intervene to overcome it. GFRS delivers prevention education at SkillZONE, with the aim of reducing unintentional injury from age 4 to 18.

The most recent data shows that for children aged 0-14 and young people aged 15-24, the hospital admission rate for injury is worse in Gloucestershire than the England rate. This will mean a renewed focus on delivering unintentional injury education for children by encouraging attendance at sessions at SkillZONE and identifying sources of funding to reduce transport costs for schools.

By engaging young people in a realistic, scenario-based learning environment, SkillZONE equips them with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices, resist negative influences, and stay safe.

GFRS, in conjunction with other statutory organisations, is collaborating and planning effectively to reduce and prevent serious violence across local communities. We are doing this by implementing proactive strategies that address the root causes of violence and safeguard those at risk.

The prevention team at SkillZONE delivers targeted education sessions to young people aged 10 to 18 across Gloucestershire. These interactive sessions, conducted within the Life By engaging young people in a realistic, scenario-based learning environment, SkillZONE equips them with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices, resist negative influences, and stay safe.

Skills Centre, focus on preventing serious violence, covering anti-social behaviour (ASB) awareness, knife crime education, and ‘county lines’ exploitation.

By engaging young people in a realistic, scenario-based learning environment, SkillZONE equips them with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices, resist negative influences, and stay safe. This approach ensures a coordinated effort in tackling serious violence and supporting the safety and well-being of communities across the county.