The Risk Factory has put down a very successful first year in operation, and much of this success is thanks to the enthusiastic volunteers who have been helping out there.
This success has recently been marked with the shortlisting of the volunteers from ARCO nominated in the Partnership Award category at the Edinburgh Inspiring Volunteers Awards. The award ceremony will take place later this week as part of Volunteer’s Week.
The Risk Factory has attracted national and international interest with visits from authorities across the UK, and international visits from Malta, Japan, Denmark, America, Iceland and Austrailia. By the end of the academic year more than 9,605 pupils will have attended the centre from more than 190 schools.
Councillor Paul Edie, Community Safety Leader said, “The Risk Factory has proven very popular since it opened, not only with the children and teachers who have visited but it has also received international attention. Visits from officials from other authorities and countries prove that this facility is leading the way in safety education for children. It is obvious that without the good work of our volunteers we never would have been able to accomplish this.
“I would urge anyone interested in volunteering to get in touch with any questions they might have.”
The fantastic team of volunteers already in place have been trained up on safety skills so they are confident in passing on key safety messages to the children who visit the centre.
They also work closely with partner agencies, such as Lothian & Borders Police and Lothian & Borders Fire & Rescue Service, so anyone with an interest in a career in these areas, or in working with children, might benefit from the experience.
A new Volunteer Coordinator has just been appointed at the Risk Factory, Angela Hall, so if you are interested in volunteering or finding out more about what this consists of please contact Angela 0131 454 8932 or 07920 701 732 or at a.thomson@edinburgh.gov.uk
For more information about The Risk Factory please visit our website: www.theriskfactory.org