YOUNG people will be taught Skills for Life when Bournemouth's SafeWise centre is revamped.

The centre has traditionally focussed on physical safety in scenarios such as the home, the beach, a railway line and on the roads.

But new Chief Executive Rob Hattersley plans to introduce new topics including health and diet, as well as money and budgeting, in a bid to help young people to cope when they leave home.

He is currently approaching local businesses and organisations in the hope of attracting sponsorship and partnership opportunities.

Mr Hattersley, a former deputy head teacher, said: "We will carry on teaching about safety but the Skills for Life agenda is very important.

"Schools are under a lot of pressure to deliver on the academic side and we want to support them with a number of new initiatives."

Current scenarios for infant and junior aged children at the Elliott Road centre will be revamped but will continue to offer education on matters such as road, water, fire and home safety as well as what to do in an emergency and internet safety.

Over the next three years Mr Hattersley hopes to introduce new programmes including one for parents and carers of the under fives, looking at risks to young children in the home, on the street and in the car.

There are also plans to use acting students to bring scenarios to life for 11-14-year-olds on subjects such as peer pressure, drugs and alcohol and mental health.

A new programme for those about to leave home will cover subjects such as budgeting and personal safety and there will be a programme for older people who face challenges such as home security, safe driving and health issues.

Anyone who wishes to get involved could support one of the programmes or perhaps sponsor a person, a scenario, a shop front or a street advert. Volunteers are also needed to help the centre to operate.

Anyone who wishes to get involved can do so by calling 01202 591330 or go to safewise.org for more information.