By Kim Stock
It’s late at night. You’re walking alone on campus and it’s dark.
Suddenly from behind, an assailant grabs you. You’re panic stricken and just don’t know what to do. Is this one of your fears? Well, fear no more, for Safe and Sound is here.
Safe and Sound is a University of Calgary program that helps people develop self-defence skills. Sponsored by the U of C and the Students’ Union, Safe and Sound is a four hour course taught at the
U of C and instructed by current and former female City of Calgary Police officers. In four hours, Safe and Sound training addresses aspects of self defence such as personal safety planning, mental toughness, self-defence skills and real life practice on a padded attacker. Primarily women partake in the course, but it’s useful to everyone.
Safewalk, the campus program that provides an escort service for individuals who don’t want to walk alone, has also taken an active role in planning and promoting Safe and Sound.
"People should not have to be afraid of others or of going out alone at night," said Safewalk Coordinator Lisha Hassanali. [The Safe and Sound] program provides skills and confidence which eases fear. The skills are universal and can be applied to any situation."
The SU approved $2,200 for the program at the Sept. 8 Students’ legislative Council meeting.
"It’s a valuable program to the university community," said SU Vice-president Student Life Miki Stricker. "One of the best ways to make students feel safer is to empower them with the knowledge of how to protect themselves."
Safe and Sound is offered to students at the bargain basement price of $10 (plus gst), which is much less than the usual cost of $79.
Safe and Sound courses are offered on Sept. 19, Oct. 24, Nov. 21, and Dec. 5 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are only 25 slots available for each session, so it ís a good idea to book early if you’re interested.
"I’ll be one of the first to sign up for the program," said Stricker.
Campus Recreation would be happy to hear from you if you’re intrigued, so call 220-7749 to sign up or for more information.