Scouting day raises flood awareness in Rochdale

Cubs, Scouts and Explorers from across the Rochdale borough have taken part in a day of flood awareness activities, supported by the JBA Trust.

Photo (above): Gary Deakin, JBA Consulting Director, demonstrating why rivers flood using the JBA Trust hydraulic flume

The event took place on Sunday 12th October at Ashworth Valley Scout Camp in Bamford. The aim of the fun activities was to enable the young people to find out more about flooding and how to be more resilient.

By the end of the day everyone gained knowledge on how to carry out first aid on a drowning adult, what to pack in a grab bag and how to register for flood alerts.

The event is part of a wider initiative in Rochdale designed to raise awareness of the risks of flooding to individuals and businesses. Organisations taking part include JBA Trust, National Flood Forum, Groundwork, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, St John Ambulance and the Environment Agency.

Tim Wallis, Rochdale’s District Commissioner, said: “This event was a great chance to have fun, possibly get wet and certainly get involved in a load of activities. There are also links to challenge badges as well as environmental awareness.”

Suzanne Walton, Groundwork’s Education & Communities Manager, stated: “The day has been designed to be enjoyable and entertaining, however there is a serious message behind it all.  All participants will go away a lot more knowledgeable about how to behave in a flooding situation.”

JBA Consulting Director, Gary Deakin, said “With ever increasing flooding, it’s important for communities and people of all ages to understand the impact and what we can do to manage it better. Using the JBA Trust’s model flume, we demonstrated changes in flood levels and the Cubs, Scouts and Explorers made paper boats to sail which was great fun.”

The National Flood Forum and Rochdale Borough Council are setting up Flood Forums in East Central Rochdale and are looking for local residents and business owners to get involved. If you would like to know more please contact Sarah Parkington on 07858 382506.

For more information on the JBA Flume and to find out about community demonstrations, please contact us.