PCYCs play vital role in helping troubled youth

OVER the years I have been in a position to be able to observe the wonderful work done by the Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYCs).

I have been able to see some of the outstanding work done by this organisation and witness the differences to the lives of some young people.

Many of these younger ones have had many and various problems but mostly I think from difficult upbringings and home situations.

Some just find it hard to mix in with society.

I dare say that the majority of youngsters who have had the benefit of attending one or more of the PCYC programmes come out on the right side.

No doubt some go on to “bad” things. But overall the PCYCs are something that we should embrace and support.

I have the privilege, together with a number of others, to be a Trustee of The Reuben Pelerman Benevolent Foundation which has supported Nerang, Monaco St (Broadbeach) and Ashmore PCYCs for more than 20 years.

The police sergeants in charge of these clubs – and who do fantastic work – know they only have to contact us when they need something and we mostly readily respond.

So my point in writing this letter is to encourage the community at large to support your local PCYC whenever you can. Get in touch with them and see where you can help.

Maybe we need more PCYCs in Queensland to cope with what appears to be more and more young people getting into trouble.

The usual comments one hears is to lock them up or put them into some sort of institution.

Perhaps in some cases that may be necessary but I am suggesting more PCYCs across Queensland may achieve a better result?