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Local Children to Show Case their Talents in S-Factor Competition
Budding Sheffield superstars will get their chance to shine this summer courtesy of Sheffield Homes’ ‘S Factor’ Competition, part of the 2008 Stay Safe in Sheffield campaign.
S Factor stands for ‘Safety Factor’ and youngsters can showcase their talents by writing and performing a song or rap to raise awareness of the dangers of playing on building sites. There is plenty of incentive to take part as the winning school will receive a cash prize of £1000.
The Stay Safe in Sheffield campaign raises awareness to children of the serious dangers of playing on and around building sites where Decent Homes work is being undertaken. The Decent Homes programme is a £669million scheme of improvements to Council homes managed by Sheffield Homes and is contributing to improving the quality of life for Sheffield’s residents.
This is the fourth Stay Safe in Sheffield campaign, organised by Sheffield Homes and its Decent Homes partners; Henry Boot Construction, Kier Sheffield, Lovell Partnerships Ltd, Keepmoat PLC and Wates Living Space. Over 65 schools within Sheffield’s Decent Homes areas for 2008/2009 have been approached, inviting children between the ages of 4 and 11 to take part. This involves holding interactive sessions teaching children about basic health and safety and running the S-factor competition. Previous exciting competitions have included designing a safety poster and designing a life size builder mascot.
Birley Primary School was one of the first schools to be visited by Sheffield Homes and Decent Homes construction partners Kier Sheffield & Henry Boot. The children were keen to take part in a series of interactive sessions to help them stay safe in Sheffield and are already planning their moment in the spotlight.
Jon Lovibond, Sheffield Homes, Director of Investment said: “It is always exciting when a new Stay Safe in Sheffield initiative is rolled out to schools across the City. Each year it proves to be very popular and it is a fun way to get across important safety messages to children between the age of 4 and 11. It is fantastic to see how well Sheffield Homes and our partners work with the schools and children. I can’t wait to see the competition entries as I always enjoy seeing what the children come up with.”
Steve Allen, business development manager for Henry Boots added: “We are delighted that with our other partners and Sheffield Homes we are able to work closely with local schools and the community to highlight the potential dangers of building sites and being able to drive the message home that they are not playgrounds but in a fun and creative way”.
Finalists will be invited to perform in an X Factor style show case event at the Mega Centre, Sheffield on 3rd July. The event is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before and the children will be made to feel like real stars on the day.
For more information about Stay Safe in Sheffield please contact Sheffield Homes Investment Team on 0114 273 5524, or visit www.sheffieldhomes.org.uk.