It's time to think about personal safety... AT this moment, there can be no doubt at all that, for most of us, these are frightening times.

Hate between peoples is truly appalling and the slaughter of the innocent can lead us to a feeling of despair and frustration; there seems to be nothing we can do. However, maybe this is the time for you to think about your own personal safety whether you are at work, home, out and about or going on holiday.

During the past week, The Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens, launched "Stay Safe", an Easy Guide booklet especially written and designed for people with learning difficulties, which The Suzy Lamplugh Trust helped to put together. The people of all ages at he Camden Centre, (where the Guide was launched) showed enthusiasm in learning how to be safe and make sure others were safe. It was a real joy. They did not believe that personal safety was a restrictive practice; they knew it would give them more freedom.

During Personal Safety Week, the Trust will be working with councils, schools, universities and employers. We are also holding a conference for lone workers. Many of The Suzy Lamplugh Trust's Trainers around the UK will also be involved in activities.

On Wednesday of Personal Safety Week, we will be re-launching a resource for young people travelling around the world. The book, "World Wise -- Your Passport to Safer Travel" with accompanying video, is more than simply part of preparations for travellers, it is an invaluable educational resource, particularly important for young people -- at school, college or university. Learning about different cultures can only help us all to understand our own multicultural society.

So what about you? Remember the clocks are about to change! How can you help yourself and encourage others to do the same? It's not so difficult, here is a P.L.A.N.:

P lan your personal safety campaign to avoid risky situations

L ook confident -- a confident person is much less likely to be attacked

A void putting yourself at risk -- follow your instincts

N ever assume it won't happen to you

Think to yourself -- "What would I do if I got into a difficult situation?" "What would I do if ... " should be part and parcel of making sure you can -- "live your life to the full".

Wishing you a safe and happy time ahead.

Diana Lamplugh, OBE

Director, The Suzy

Lamplugh Trust