Police officers from Derry City & Strabane say a youth project they were involved in has helped create an understanding among the young people who participated of the part they can play in building safe communities.
The project evolved after Foyleside and The Moor (FSM) Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) officers met with St Mary’s College pupils and members of a local youth club to discuss issues affecting young people in the city.
Constable Josie Crawford said this paved the way for a 10-week programme which saw FSM officers meet weekly with young people from the College and youth club. Alongside other agencies, they discussed different issues ranging from cultural identity, drug and alcohol awareness, anti-social behaviour, the role of the emergency services and hate crime. Agencies included St. John’s Ambulance, NI Fire & Rescue Service, ASCERT, Air Ambulance NI and Youth Justice, as well as PSNI’s Tactical Support Group, the Dog Unit and a Youth Diversion Officer.
Constable Josie Crawford attended the sessions along with colleagues including Constable Cassie Fleming.
“The programme opened opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful and open discussion to enable them to reassess their behaviours and make positive future changes,” said Constable Crawford, adding it is important in building “tolerance, and respect towards other communities”.
“The students benefited through the friendships developed in the programmes. Everyone supported each other in all activities. The engagement was very relaxed and informal with programmes being delivered to meet the needs of the group,” said Constable Crawford, adding: “PSNI benefited from positive engagement with young people and other agencies.”
Feedback of the programme included comment that participants “came to the realisation that it takes everyone in the community to work together to make our communities safer” and the respect from those involved for “the key people delivering the programme. They talked about how difficult their work is and that everyone in our community should respect these vital services”.
Completion of the programme ended with a celebration event in the Guildhall facilitated by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Sandra Duffy.
“The two groups amalgamated for a performance with song, speeches and an issue-based dramatization. This was facilitated by the Mayor’s office who was delighted to be asked to take part. There was a presentation of certificates from the Chief Inspector Yvonne McManus to young people in recognition of their involvement in the programme," explained Constable Crawford. "They were also presented with certificates from the Mayor provided by ASCERT.”