A ground-breaking project--involving young people producing their own versions of the annual policing plan—will celebrate its third year on Wednesday (August 26th).
The ‘youth proofing’ project is a joint initiative between Cleveland Police Authority and Just 4 Youth, a young person-led social enterprise, owned by West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust. The project has gained widespread national recognition, including praise from a Government Policing Minister at last year’s annual conference of the Association of Police Authorities.
The four versions of this year’s plan—produced for each police district in the Force area—will be launched at the Police Headquarters in Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, on Wednesday and Police Authority Chair, Councillor Dave McLuckie says the project is going from strength to strength.
He explains “This year we have had seventeen young people aged between 15 and 21—recruited with the help of organisations across the area—involved in the project. We introduced a new element this time, with neighbourhood police officers and police community support officers working with the youngsters which helped in both team building and breaking down barriers.
“The group has taken the policing plan and produced versions which are aimed at appealing to a young audience, explaining to them how the policing service works, what we are aiming to achieve in the year ahead...and how they can play a part.”
Sally Orlopp, Director at A4e Education & Enterprise, and Chair of the Just 4 Youth Board, adds, “We are delighted that the CPA has recognised Just 4 Youth’s innovative approach to engaging with young people by commissioning them for the third year running to deliver this project. Not only has the team produced an end product which will assist the police in breaking down barriers with young people; by encouraging participation in the project, they have also helped to increase young people’s self-esteem and aspirations to engage with service providers and adults in general.”
All the youngsters taking part in the projects have received awards under the ASDAN scheme designed at encourage personal and social development for learners.
NOTE FOR NEWSDESKS/PICTURE DESKS/PLANNING DESKS: The young person’s policing summaries will be launched at the Media Briefing Centre, Police Headquarters, Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, on Wednesday, August 26th, starting at 5.30pm.
Please find attached an example of the Youth Policing Plans—copies of those for other districts are available on request. For further information please contact Peter Dodson, telephone 01642 353111/mobile 07753 910536.
