Safety in the community
How to read the stories

Safety in the community

Some ideas for keeping safe

If your pocket does not have a zip, somebody can steal your money or your mobile phone.
If your bag is open, it’s easy for somebody to take things.
If you put your bag down and walk away, someone may steal it.
If you go down an alley on your own, nobody will be able to see if you are in danger.
If you accept a lift from a stranger, no one will know where you are. It is safer to say “no” – even if the stranger is friendly, and even if it is raining.
If anyone attacks you, even someone you know, don’t fight back. Do try to get away and report it.
If someone snatches your bag, let it go and find someone to tell.

Role-play

Ideas for two people to act out

Two people waiting at a bus stop, and one of them asks the time.
Two people waiting at a bus stop. They do not know each other. One invites the other to go to his or her house.
One person walking along the street. A stranger in a car stops to offer a lift.
One person is looking in a shop window. A passer-by snatches their bag.

Working with a group

Two people act out a scene. Then the rest of the group talk about what happened. Two more people are invited to have a go, trying out a different response.

How to read the stories

There is no right or wrong way to read the stories.

Some people are not used to reading stories. Start at the beginning and read the story in each picture. Encourage the reader to move through the pages at their own pace.
Encourage the person to tell the story in their own words. You will discover what they think is happening, what they already know, and how they feel. If you are using the pictures to help explain a procedure to someone, you may need to describe or clarify the actions being shown in each picture to help them understand. Try not to challenge the reader(s) or suggest their ideas are wrong.
Some pictures may be more difficult to understand. It can help to prompt the people you are supporting, for example:
• Who do you think that is?
• What is happening?
• How is he or she feeling?
• Do you feel like that? Has it happened to you/ your friend/ your family?
Allow people enough time to follow the pictures at their own pace. Allow time for discussion of each picture.
Some people may benefit from reading the larger story from which the extract has been taken. This will allow them to explore their feelings and experiences in more depth. To buy the complete book, follow the link to the bookshop that appears at the end of the story.