The winter time is a great season for young people to experience different indoor and outdoor activities, and many organisations put on fun new activities. It is important to remember to risk assess any new activities and follow external visits guidance before going out for the day.

We want people to stay safe and healthy while they enjoy the winter so have pulled together some useful resources and links.

Activities

• National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) guidance about what to do in a firearms or weapons attack, including “Run, Hide, Tell” and the “Stay Safe” film
• West Mercia Police event security information
• ROSPA general winter safety advice
• Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service keeping safe at home and at work
• Worcestershire County Council local school closures due to adverse weather conditions
• Worcestershire County Council gritting, ice and snow on the roads
• Health & Safety Executive young people and work
• Sports Partnership Activity Finder

External Visits

• Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel  (OEAP) advice, support and monitoring of visits and outdoor learning

Mental Health and Wellbeing

• Your Life Your Choice Worcestershire local advice and guidance for families, children and adults of all ages
• Talk to Frank friendly and confidential drugs advice
• Drinkaware support to help reduce alcohol-related harm by helping people make better choices about their drinking
• Runaway Helpline confidential helpline if you are thinking about running away from home or have already run away
• Samaritans confidential place for you to talk about your feelings
• Choices App Stay Safe, Be Aware a new free online app for young people
• NSPCC speak out, stay safe
• Homelessness links to your district council for support
• Axis Youth Hub support for young people in North Worcestershire – including homeless, substance misuse, mental health and education/employment issues

Winter Health

• NHS advice on common winter ailments
• NHS advice for keeping warm this winter
• Royal Horticultural Society harmful plants list

Staying Safe Online

• Childnet International advice about using social networking and gaming sites, managing online friendships and sharing holiday snaps
• UK Safer Internet Centre’s Parents’ Guide to Technology

Sexual Health

• Brook sexual health & wellbeing for under 25s
• Stonewall support for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people
• Know Your Stuff sexual health clinics and advice in Worcestershire

Water Safety

• RNLI online resource to help teach young people about how to survive in cold water
• RNLI Respect the Water advice on staying safe in the water
• United Utilities dangers of swimming in reservoirs or lakes