Crucial Crew Initiative Equips Over 1,000 West Suffolk Pupils with Life-Saving Skills

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More than 1,000 Year 6 students from across West Suffolk have taken part in a two-week safety and wellbeing initiative designed to prepare them for real-world challenges.

Crucial Crew, a long-running educational programme coordinated by West Suffolk Council, returned to West Suffolk College this summer and saw its highest attendance in five years. Around 1,150 pupils from 36 schools participated in hands-on workshops covering everything from fire safety to healthy relationships.

The Child Criminal Exploitation Hub at Suffolk County Council teaches the students about what to look out for by County Lines drug dealers. Sharn Giles leads the session watched on by Cllr Donna Higgins. Image Credit – West Suffolk Council

The programme, first launched in the 1990s, is delivered in partnership with local emergency services, charities, and safeguarding organisations. It forms part of the council’s strategic priority to support thriving communities.

This year’s sessions included:

  • Fire Safety Simulations run by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, teaching children how to respond in the event of a bedroom fire.

  • Water Safety Workshops led by Abbeycroft Leisure, educating pupils on staying safe in and around water.

  • Healthy Relationships and Respect explored with Restore Women’s Aid, focusing on understanding mutual respect.

  • Consent and Boundaries addressed by Brave Futures, a charity supporting survivors of child sexual abuse.

  • Recognising Child Exploitation, delivered by the Child Exploitation Hub to raise awareness of grooming and county lines.

  • Hate Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour discussions with Suffolk Police, encouraging students to stand up and report harmful behaviours.

Cllr Donna Higgins, Cabinet Member for Families and Communities, praised the programme’s impact and longevity. A former teacher herself, she highlighted the value of Crucial Crew in empowering children to make informed, safe decisions.

“Crucial Crew is all about situations that these young people may have to deal with during their lives. It equips them with life skills so that they can make informed decisions to keep themselves and others safe,” said Cllr Higgins.

“It’s always inspiring to see the students so engaged, and it’s thanks to our brilliant partners that this initiative continues to thrive.”