Joining forces
Teens sign up with Police Scotland Youth group
Police Scotland Youth Volunteers have launched a new group in Shotts.
The event, which was held at Calderhead High School, was well attended by parents, headteachers, elected representatives and local partnership organisations.
A total of 24 young people, aged 13 to 15, recruited from Calderhead High and St Aidan’s High, will volunteer their time alongside local community officer PC Susan Rooney and her team of adult volunteers.
PC Rooney said: “As someone who has worked in Shotts for some time, I know how much a group such as this will benefit our young people and the community as a whole.
“Our community partners have really got behind this and that is important because although this is a programme being run by Police Scotland, we all have a stake in what we are looking to achieve when it comes to our young people.
“I have seen the success of our other groups across the country and I’m thrilled to see that PSYV has now come to Shotts.”
The PSYV programme aims to strengthen the relationship with the police and young people, breaking down barriers and promoting positive role models.
The recruits will undergo an initial 12- week induction period and then participate in a passing out ceremony, which is expected to take place in December.
They will then be ready to begin volunteering within their local community and at national events such as The Edinburgh Tattoo.
PSYV regional co-ordinator Sgt Dario D’Andrea added: “We are delighted to be able to start up our latest PSYV group here in Shotts.
“Our young people will be able to get an insight into policing, develop their personal skills, gain knowledge on how to keep themselves and others safe, get opportunities to help their community, build their confidence, raise their aspirations to be the best they can be, make new friends and of course have fun.”