Youngpeople help deliver hamperboost
YOUNG people from across the central belt joined forces to help pensioners in need this Christmas.
More than 100 hampers crammed full of food and drink were put together and delivered by the Greater Glasgow Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) as part of their Pressies for Penshies project.
As well as offering food and company to the elderly, the teams from Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire, passed on information about bogus callers and doorstep crime.
The PSYV programme aims to strengthen relationships between the police and young people, to help break down barriers and promote positive role models, while helping them to understand policing and support officers.
Constables Stephen Want and Steve Shanks founded the new East Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire groups which recruited 48 young people within four months.
The groups have been working throughout the festive period to prepare and distribute the hampers.
The contents were gathered by the teenagers, through charitable donations, from schools, police officers and council employees.
Local stores including Whole Foods in Giffnock, which has now shut down, Asda in Barrhead, Marks and Spencer in Newton Mearns and Tesco stores in Kirkintilloch and Milngavie, also donated supplies.
Constable Shanks said: “The aim of this project was to assist our older generation by offering support and friendship.
“The volunteers were also able to pass on information and advice, regarding bogus callers and doorstep crime and with officers working alongside, local authorities Community Safety and Trading Standards departments, we were able to provide crime prevention advice and crime prevention leaflets in the hampers.”
Chief Inspector Patrick Murphy, Partnerships, added: “I am incredibly grateful for the work our coordinators and our youth volunteers have done during the festive period to support elderly residents in our communities.
“Those receiving the hampers have been delighted by the gesture. It has been a real opportunity for our young people to connect with our elderly residents.
“I believe this highlights the strength of our partnerships and value that PSYV has brought to our communities. The volunteers have provided a real benefit to people in particular need, which is fantastic, especially during the festive period.”
Constable Stephen Want said: “We at Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, truly appreciate the efforts of everyone involved for their time and contributions.
“We look forward to working with one another as we head into 2018 and would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas.”