South Yorkshire Fire And Rescue


Lifewise - Print Version

The Lifewise centre, located at the Magna centre in Rotherham, was launched in 2005.  Since then it has become the focal point for much of the county's community safety training involving engagement with members of the public.

Lifewise aims to promote community safety and positive citizenship across South Yorkshire by providing a realistic and exciting environment in which groups of people can act out particular situations in a realistic setting.   By confronting and dealing with a variety of issues and problems, it is hoped that people will be better equipped to apply those lessons to real life.

The centre is a partnership initiative involving South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue and local authorities.

Lifewise is home to the successful Crucial Crew events.  Initially aimed at young people, Crucial Crew brings most of South Yorkshire’s Year Six school children through the centre’s doors during term-time (over 14,000 in the 2007/2008 academic year).  The initiative has now evolved into a series of events tailored towards different sections of society, including people over the age of 50 and Black & Minority Ethnic communities.

Other events held at the centre include the Drive For Life scheme, which educates young drivers on road safety.

Although the centre has a busy calendar, there are still plenty of opportunities for organisations to book their own events.  Projects which qualify for the use of the centre should meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Community Safety
• Personal Safety
• Personal Responsibility and Citizenship
• Community Awareness

The centre also houses a large briefing room, seating up to 90 people, which can be used for conferences, meetings and away days.  In addition there is a small meeting room, which seats up to 12 people.

If you are interested in hosting your own event at Lifewise, please contact Louisa Bennett, Lifewise Development Manager, on 01709 366083 to discuss the criteria, opportunities and resources available.  Further information can also be found by visiting http://www.lifewise.southyorks.police.uk/.