A pioneering scheme aimed at improving the safety and wellbeing of journalists has been launched.

A pilot workshop on the subject has been run by the National Police Chiefs Council and the National Council for the Training of Journalists at the University of Portsmouth.

The Zoom workshop is part of a string of new measures aimed at tackling abuse and harassment of journalists, announced by the UK Government earlier this year.

According to a report of the workshop by student Jasmine Carey, pictured, Daily Mail crime and security editor Rebecca Camber shared her experiences with Portsmouth students and offered advice on how to keep safe.

The workshop was also attended by Chief Inspector Mark Lewis, from Hampshire Police, who urged journalists to report incidents to the police.

Natasha Mashembo, a second-year student at the university, said: “It helped me to understand the risks that can come with being a journalist.”

The students were asked to put their knowledge to the test at the end of the session through a range of hypothetical scenarios, and were asked to leave feedback to help the NCTJ determine how effective the session was.

Portsmouth journalism lecturer Paul Foster said: “We were delighted to take part in this pilot workshop. The students found the session extremely useful.

“It’s important they are aware of the dangers journalists face online and in the street and what measures can help keep them safe.”

Will Gore, head of partnerships and projects at the NCTJ, added: “This pilot session was a key element in work the NCTJ has committed to undertake as part of the government’s industry-backed National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists.

“We are delighted that students at Portsmouth found it useful, and we will continue to work with our partners to roll the session out more widely.

“We are also looking forward to launching an e-learning resource on journalism safety as part of our Journalism Skills Academy.”