A FLINTSHIRE charity has launched a life skills project thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery

DangerPoint, the interactive safety centre in Talacre, has welcomed more than 88,000 visitors from across North Wales and beyond since its inception in 2005.

This new project will educate 500 school pupils from across North Wales in skills relating to staying safe in various everyday situations with an emphasis on internet safety.

Julie Evans, centre manager, said “We are continually working to develop the centre and deliver relevant and current safety messages to visitors.

"Our internet safety scenario enables children and young people to have an interactive conversation about safe use of social media, gaming and other digital platforms with “K-OS” our centre mascot.

"The digital avatar is a fantastic tool that enables us to respond immediately to current issues raised by children who visit the centre.

"We want to ensure we’re giving visitors the most up to date information that will keep them safe in the ever changing digital landscape.”

The project’s main aim is to ensure that children can identify risks in day to day situations and know what steps to take to avoid or reduce the possibility of harm.

The emphasis on internet safety will focus on children developing happy and healthy relationship with the internet.

Julie Evans went on to say: “The internet is an amazing resource that can put a whole world of information at your fingertips.

"Unfortunately, it can be a dangerous place for children and their wellbeing is paramount to the work we do at DangerPoint.

"Cyberbullying is an enormous problem that can have a devastating effect on the lives of children and their families.

"We want children to know that it’s not something they have to endure and to give them skills to thrive safely in the online world.”

The project aims to support children at an age where they’re taking their first steps online and on social media helping to ensure they have a healthy experience in the digital world.

It has been made possible by a grant from Postcode Community Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Lorna Langton, funding and partnership officer, said: “Without such funding a small charity like Dangerpoint would struggle to continue to keep delivering projects that have a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people who visit the centre”.

The charity still has funding available for schools and groups from across the region to benefit from this new project.

To book a visit please contact Dangerpoint on 01745 850414 or bookings@dangerpoint.org.uk