The WELB's Youth Service has joined forces with the Northwest Lifelong Learning Association (NWLA) and the PSNI to deliver essential training to part time voluntary youth workers on 'online' protection and safety of young people who use the Internet and mobile phones.

The District Policing Partnership (DPP) has also put its weight behind the initiative. In partnership with the WELB Youth Service, it provided sponsorship for a major launch of CEOP training to the youth service, which was attended by 40 part time voluntary youth workers and volunteers from Limavady & Rural Foyle, on Tuesday, 3 March 2009, in Drummond Hotel, Ballykelly.

Michael Coyle, Chairman of Limavady DPP and member of the WELB/SELB Join Youth Committee said: "Whether on a computer at school, at a youth club or at home, young people are increasingly accessing the Internet. This training will help young people make sensible and informed choices so they can get the most out of the Internet and stay safe whilst doing so." He added: "Youth Workers are well placed to reinforce this message and I am delighted to see a partnership initiative being launched that compliments the work being carried out by other agencies."

Ann McCausland, WELB Area Youth Officer, explained that this training is being provided at the request of part time youth workers who want to ensure that they are fully equipped to provide a safe youth club environment. She thanked the DPP, Ian McGregor PSNI and Peter Boyle NWLLA."The partnership approach to delivery means that a greater number of youth groups can be visited and training provided on the ground to both youth workers and young people." She said

Peter Boyle, Online Services Manager at Northwest Lifelong Learning Association praised the initiative, adding: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with the WELB Youth Service and PSNI to promote online safety and education in what is an ever-changing environment for children and young adults."

These sentiments are echoed by Ian McGregor, Community and Schools Involvement Officer, PSNI. He said: "This partnership approach is designed to ensure that young people's experiences are positive ones enabling the young people to become more risk aware when online".

Dolores O'Kane, Benedy Youth Club, concluded: "It is essential that in this fast moving world, youth workers keep abreast of developments through awareness training. This is an excellent initiative which is warmly welcomed by all the part time youth workers in the area."