More than 1,500 Year 6 pupils from primary schools across Neath Port Talbot took part in this year’s Crucial Crew event, held over two weeks at the scenic Margam Country Park.
Now in its 30th year, Crucial Crew continues to play a vital role in preparing young people for the challenges and dangers they may face in everyday life. The event delivers a series of interactive workshops designed to help pupils:
• Become more aware of personal safety
• Learn how to react in dangerous situations
• Avoid becoming victims of crime
• Understand the role of emergency services
The event is organised annually by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Community Safety Team. Crucial Crew is one of their flagship initiatives, helping to educate the next generation with essential safety knowledge.
This year’s event featured workshops from a wide range of organisations, covering topics such as first aid, fire safety, healthy relationships, road safety, and more.
Participating organisations included:
• RNLI – Water safety
• NPT Health & Safety – Building site safety
• Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service – Home fire safety
• South Wales Police – Stop and search
• Network Rail – Railway safety
• St John’s Ambulance – First aid
• Calan DVS/Thrive Domestic Abuse – Healthy relationships
• The John Burns Foundation – Dog safety awareness
• Wales & West Utilities – Gas safety
• NPT Road Safety – Cycle and e-scooter awareness
• National Grid – Electricity safety
• Ysgol Cwm Brombil Year 10 Drama Group – Antisocial behaviour, vaping, alcohol, and bullying
• Recycling NPT – Recycling awareness
The event was sponsored by Tata Steel and the Afan Tawe Nedd Crime Prevention Panel. All organisations delivering workshops provided time and resources free of charge to help make the event a success.
Councillor Alun Llewelyn, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: “Crucial Crew has been a cornerstone of community safety education in Neath Port Talbot for three decades, and we’re incredibly proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year.
“I’d like to thank all the organisations who gave up their time to deliver such important safety messages to our young people. Their dedication ensures that pupils leave the event better equipped to stay safe, make informed decisions, and understand the vital roles played by our emergency services and community partners.”
