PB+ Resources
THEME 1: 'WE ALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO FEEL SAFE ALL OF THE TIME'
Aim : to explore the meaning of the first theme of Protective
Behaviours.
Time : 10 - 20 minutes
Materials :
- Text of Theme 1 - We all have the right to feel safe all of the time
- Flip chart and markers, or OHP with acetate and pens
Introduction:
Personal safety is a major issue for people of all ages in our society.
The fear of mugging, abduction or abuse can have a paralysing effect upon
a person's lifestyle. This is particularly true for those belonging to
the more vulnerable groups in our society - the young, the elderly, the
infirm and minorities. Obviously we need a balance between paranoia at
one end of the scale and irresponsible behaviour regarding safety at the
other.
Protective Behaviours can provide a balanced, practical approach to personal
safety. It can help each one of us in everyday decision-making and problem-solving
so that we can learn to feel safe. There are two themes and seven strategies
to assist us in living life to the full, fully understanding the risks,
confident in our own ability to respond to a variety of situations calmly
and rationally.
In this session we will examine the first theme "We all have the
right to feel safe all of the time."
Activity : Thought Shower
Display the text of the first theme.
Ask the participants for their responses to particular phrases within
the text, acknowledging and writing down their responses without comment
or discussion. Only questions for clarification of meaning are permissible
at this stage.
We all have …
- Why do you think we use the words "We all have"?
- When might it be important to say "You have" or "I
have"?
… the right …
- What do we think of when we see or hear the word rights? (civil, human,
equal, responsibilities)
- What are some of the rights common to all people?
- Do all people have these rights?
- Can everyone exercise their rights in the same way?
- Does this mean that some people have more rights than others?
- What are some of the responsibilities that go with the rights that
have been identified?
- What responsibility goes with the right to feel safe?
… to feel safe …
- What is the difference between the words 'feel safe' and 'be safe'?
- Who defines what is safe and what is unsafe when the same thing may
feel very different to each person? (feelings are personal and individual)
- What activities can you think of that are not in themselves safe but
can feel safe when we do them? (ride a bike, drive a car)
… all of the time…
- What does this phrase mean and why do you think we use this phrase?
Epilogue:
It is important to understand that what feels safe to one person may feel
unsafe to another. Feelings of safety are specific to each person. Along
with our right to feel safe is the responsibility to help others feel
safe with us. In this way we can create and maintain a safe environment
for others as well as ourselves.
Possible adaptations or applications to the Church context:
- Are there times when you don't feel safe as a Christian?
- How might your faith help you to feel safe even though you might not
be safe?
Jesus said:
"I tell you my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body
and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear:
Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into
hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?
Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your
head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
(Lu 12. 4-7)
- What do these words say to you about feeling safe?
- Explore what it means to fear God.
- How might these two ideas of fearing God and feeling safe fit together?
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