Wessex CCA, Joe Cherrett delivering just one of the many Power Pack Pals sessions held across the region
Primary school pupils and youth groups across Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks' (SSEN) Wessex region have been taking part in an interactive learning programme developed and delivered by the network operator.
SSEN has used its specially created safety talks, Power Pack Pals, to engage nearly 1,300 pupils, cubs and scouts, helping them to better understand the electricity infrastructure, its power and the potential perils associated with playing near cables and substations.
The interactive sessions centre around four friends - known as the Power Pack Pals - who aim to spark the imagination of children and help them to appreciate why electricity, the 'Magic Power', is very important in the world of the network operator, but can also be dangerous, and should be treated with extra special care.
This SSEN education resource is aimed at a younger audience and is just one part of its commitment to empowering local communities. In the last few months, a series of Power Pack Pals talks have been held at 37 local primary schools and cub and scout groups in areas across Wessex including Southampton, Winchester, Wareham, Dorchester, Eastleigh, Christchurch, Gillingham, Wimborne, Swanage, Bridport, and the New Forest.
SSEN's Customer and Community Advisors (CCAs) have taken the talks across Wessex, providing children with the information they need to stay safe near the electricity infrastructure and to spark interest in the network that powers their homes and schools.
Stacy Saxby, CCA for Wessex said:
"It's been a pleasure to work with our local primary schools, cub and scout groups, and to speak to so many of them about the vital network that brings them heat, power and light throughout the years.
"Many of these session have been delivered through the winter so as the children go into the warmer, brighter months, they have a greater awareness of how to stay safe around the network by avoiding playing near power lines and substations.
She added: "The energy industry is constantly evolving and changing, so by speaking directly to schools and youth groups, we hope that in addition to raising awareness on safety, we can let pupils see the potential for a career in the industry.
"I'd like encourage any local primary schools or youth orientated community groups who haven't already signed up for Power Pack Pals talks to get in touch with us, so we can help their pupils and attendees gain an understanding of our network and the steps they can take to stay safe around it."
In the last five years, SSEN has recorded over 1,140 near-miss incidents across its north and south networks involving third parties. Along with the 'Look Out, Look Up' campaign and sharing safety advice for customers planning to work near the overhead or underground network, SSEN has developed the Power Pack Pals programme to engage its younger audience.
Further information on Power Pack Pals and details on how your primary school can register for a free presentation and safety talk can be found here - https://www.powerpackpals.com/.