Safety House program has openings

The Safety House Program on the Peninsula has openings for local residents to join the scheme.

Businesses or households may nominate themselves as refuges for children who feel threatened while out in public or walking home form school.

President of the Safety House Program, Ms Tracy Forbes, said that the program was in desperate need of more monitors.

There are currently over 200 houses, 30 businesses and four schools involved in the program with 12 Safety House monitors who regularly monitor these houses or businesses.

The Peninsula Safety House Committee consists of a president, secretary, records officer and executive monitor and interviewer.

It currently has vacancies for vice-president and publicity officer.

They meet five times a year to discuss issues relating to the program.

The Safety House program has been operating on the Peninsula area for over 18 years.

It covers the whole of the Peninsula extending to Woy Woy Bay, Empire Bay and Patonga.

"The objective of the program is to provide a network of safe houses and businesses within our community for children to go if they feel threatened, in danger, injured or lost while on their way to and from school," Ms Forbes said.

"A Safety House can be clearly identified by the bright yellow safety house plaque displayed on the letterbox and large signs placed in the window of a business," she said.

Every person who applies to become a Safety House or Business is screened by the police.

The check is made on all occupants 10 years and over.

For further information, telephone Tracy Forbes on 4343 1882.

Letter, September 30