It is a proven fact that raising awareness and changing mindsets are amongst the most effective ways of prevention.
A reactive approach costs so much more and little
can be learned from it. We use the skills developed
through education and experience to avoid the risks
and hazards that life throws at us. Focusing on
equipping people of all ages with these skills in a
sensible and proportionate way is common sense –
or should be.
Imagine a permanent site where:
- those that are in greatest need of the skills and knowledge necessary to handle life's hazards are delivered to the venue at specific times in reasonable numbers for maximum benefit;
- safety, education and communication specialists will make sure the message is delivered in the most effective and focussed way;
- the delivery of such programmes can be properly structured on the lead up to the visit and designed to gain maximum impact following the visit;
- all the “hard to reach” members of the community can also participate, not just those that are the easiest to access;
- it is possible to demonstrate the causes and effects of such hazards on the family and community;
- the Lifeskills Kent team forges outreach links with other organisations and venues;
- every aspect of safety, life skills and citizenship is given the true respect that it deserves – with Lifeskills Kent recognised as a true Centre of Excellence;
- our visitors can voice their opinion, build their self esteem and learn Lifeskills Safety messages will be delivered in an effective by experts;
- the opportunity to become part of community volunteering is offered where all can participate equally;
- dangers are understood.
The aim of the Centre is for the student to take ownership of the information and use it because they believe it, not because they were told.
The new purpose built facility will offer informal learning opportunities, interactive demonstration areas and displays for group and individual development. Removing these activities from more traditional learning environments will enable a broader community take up of the services offered.
An important aspect of Lifeskills Kent is the ability to avoid a great deal of the duplication of messages, effort, and varying quality of initiatives that currently take place. By getting all agencies and organisations working together as true partners with a common aim we collectively save vast amounts of resource (money and time) and produce an infinitely improved professional product that is properly focussed.
The LSK vision offers the most effective, economic and efficient way of delivering the relevant skills and knowledge to all sectors of the community.
The design of the Centre is green, innovative and fun. It will have visibility and impact attracting the target audience. The external appearance and internal layout should ensure the following:
- Users should feel connected to it
- Sustainability will be inherent in the project
- The Centre should meet local needs
- Experiences should be “honest” and should focus on engagement and empathy
- The venue and its components need to be exiting, different and stimulate exploration.
The LSK will have at its heart a flexible interactive learning zone, visits will start and finish in this central hub “The Peoples Parliament” – this is where opinions are gathered and debates held. Around this themed areas will offer group and individual learning opportunities.
LSK will be opened in three phases. The first phase will be the ground floor.
The second phase will offer further resources developed to support older teenagers and others facing challenges as they move into new areas within the community.
The third phase will add roof terraces with opportunities to learn more about solar panels and wind turbines powering this building as well as a café and community resource centre.
