23/10/09 - Encouraging Young People to take proactive approach to local Best Practice

The new Safe or Sorry (SOS) Initiative designed and implemented by Thomas Vale, follows on from numerous others that are undertaken when working in schools and high residential areas; highlighting the potential dangers and local respect issues that can surround live construction sites.

The SOS Initiative has been designed to ensure a buy-in from the next generation including the protection of their own and the local environment, having respect for their elders and peers so as to target the reduction in anti-social behaviour and caring for their local community, encouraging team spirit and getting involved in social responsibility in the areas they live.At the recent project launch event at St Peter’s School to celebrate a new £3.5million development; pupils at the school showcased to Thomas Vale their aspirations for their school with a ‘Wish Card’ which has been displayed on the site for the public to see.

Keith Tinline Purvis, Head teacher, St Peter’s Primary School commented: “Children swarmed around the wish list board to see if their wish was displayed! The new SOS Initiative and cartoon characters clearly spell out the safety and community integration messages that we all want to get across. The two children who posed for the photo felt like film stars! This is another example of Thomas Vale’s desire to work closely with the community.”The SOS Initiative is carried out by a dedicated in-house team and to date they have carried out around 28,000 school talks across the Midlands and South.

Paul Bennett, Project Manager, Thomas Vale Construction commented: “This is new initiative has been a great success. We have had really positive feedback from parents who are impressed with the good messages that this initiative teaches the children.”The new St Peter’s Primary School is due to for completion in September 2010.Information on the new SOS (Safe Or Sorry) Initiative now replaces the existing SPLAAT Talks. For further information please contact Aimee Hyde.