NEWSROOM

The Crucial Crew initiative – led by Telford & Wrekin Council and funded by the Telford & Wrekin Community Safety Partnership – has equipped thousands of Year 6 pupils with essential life skills to help them stay safe and confident as they transition to secondary school and beyond.

Crucial Crew 2026 comes to an end this week, with around 2,500 pupils estimated to have taken part when it concludes on Friday.

Held annually at Telford College, the event brings together thousands of youngsters for an immersive, hands-on experience. Over a three-week period, children engage with real-life scenarios covering a wide range of safety topics – from fire and road safety to modern-day challenges such as knife crime, vaping, internet safety and mental health awareness.

Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing said: “Crucial Crew continues to evolve with the times, ensuring it remains relevant for young people today. We’re not just teaching children how to cross the road – we’re helping them navigate the complex world they’re growing up in.

“From the dangers of exploitation to the effects of alcohol and drugs, these are real issues affecting young people. This programme gives them the tools to make safe, informed choices.”

Council teams delivering the event include road safety, education and building safer and stronger communities. Key partners supporting the programme include West Mercia Police, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, Midlands Partnership Foundation NHS Trust as well as organisations such as The Royal Life Saving Society UK, Telford Stars and National Grid.

Each year, the programme is reviewed and updated to reflect the most pressing safety concerns facing young people.

Children take part in interactive workshops, including wearing “beer goggles” to simulate the effects of alcohol and learning how to respond in emergencies involving water, electricity or fire. The event also tackles sensitive but critical topics such as stranger danger, exploitation and mental wellbeing.

Principal and chief executive of Telford College, Lawrence Wood, said: "This year, we wanted to do more than simply open our doors for Crucial Crew, we wanted to truly invest in it and that’s what we’ve done.

“As a college, we have a real responsibility for the wider wellbeing and ambitions of young people across the borough and this is exactly the kind of initiative that makes a genuine difference to their lives and to the future of our region.” 

Councillor Paul Davis, Cabinet Member for Strong Communities, Local Pride and Veterans said: “A special thank you to Telford College for generously providing the venue free of charge each year, making this event possible. We’re also grateful to contractors Burgoyne Marquees and Instant Tool and Plant Hire Ltd for their continued support in providing essential on-site facilities.

“It’s incredible to see how many lives have been positively impacted by Crucial Crew over the years. It’s not only informative, but also fun, engaging and memorable. Children leave with practical knowledge that stays with them for life, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”

With 52 schools in the borough participating this year, Crucial Crew remains one of the best-attended events of its kind in the country, highlighting the continued commitment from the Council and its partners to keeping the programme relevant and inspiring for the future.