SAFETY talks have been held to help students keep safe in York.

North Yorkshire Police teamed up with welfare and security staff from York St John University, the University of York, and York College, to make sure young people studying in the city stay safe.

The training and education day was held earlier this month and also included input from local charities focused on vulnerability, providing the right support to students, and protecting them from drinking to excess, drugs, domestic abuse, hate crime and other issues affecting young people.

Inspector Lee Pointon hosted the day, and said although York was a very safe city, it made sense for organisations to work together with students to help them protect each other.

Insp Pointon said: “However, when problems or issues do arise, it’s very important that students have access to the right support.

“This education day brought together key staff from charities, police and educational institutions, to ensure that we all have the right skills and knowledge to keep students safe. The day was extremely well received and this initiative is something that we hope will continue in the future.”

Among the charities involved were Supporting Victims and Lifeline, the drug abuse charity.

Nic Streatfield, head of student services at York St John University, said: “York St John University has introduced its own anti-bullying and harassment policy and has a network of volunteer advisors to support its students. We are pleased that the training involved the University of York and York College as part of a city-wide approach to tackling violence and harassment and working with the police continues to be priority.”

Jill Ellis, deputy director of student support at the University of York, said: “The university’s students’ union works with North Yorkshire Police to deliver vulnerable person training to venues across the city and other initiatives include health and safety briefings, campaigns around mental health and staying safe near the city’s rivers.”

Julie Murgatroyd, personal advisor in student services at York College, said: “The training was insightful and informative with first-class presentations to broaden our knowledge.”