North Wales Police has teamed up with a national charity to help disadvantaged young people develop skills, self-confidence and motivation.
PCSO Julie Holland, who is based at Penygroes Police Station, has been seconded to work with Prince’s Trust Cymru on a 12-week programme to guide a team of twelve young people – who are aged 16 to 17-years and who are from the Bangor and Caernarfon areas, through team building, personal development and community projects.
The Prince’s Trust Programme offers vulnerable young people the opportunity to expand their skill base, gain confidence, take part in community projects and get back into employment.
PCSO Holland said: “The course, which is being held at Coleg Menai in Caernarfon, involves the young people taking part with activities such as team-building exercises.
“Their first week was spent at the Urdd Llangrannog centre in Ceredigion where they learnt about how to work together as a team. They have also taken part in activities such as a litter-pick and have even raised money by bag packing in a local supermarket.
She added: “I volunteered to assist with the programme and so far I’m really enjoying it. I hope that we will be able to help these young people get back into education or employment and make a real difference to their lives.”
One aspect of the programme they have been involved with is the development of a community garden in Penygroes, which is being supported by North Wales Police, Gwynedd Council and the Countryside Council for Wales.
Prior to the ground being prepared for the garden the young people helped clear the area and carried out a litter-pick.
PCSO Holland added: “We are now in our fifth week of the programme and so far the youngsters have all shown real enthusiasm and motivation. They should be proud on what they have already achieved.”
One of the youngsters who is benefiting from the programme is 17-year-old Ffion Williams who is from the Caernarfon area. She said: “I really enjoyed the first week in Llangrannog where we were given the chance to get to know each other. I’m learning new skills and developing my confidence but I’m also enjoying meeting and speaking to new people.
“One day I’m hoping to get a job working with the elderly and I’m happy that I’m learning new skills that will help me achieve my goals.”
Barry Jones from Prince’s Trust Cymru said: “The course is going really well and the group are all working hard. We are really grateful to the support from our partners such as North Wales Police who are donating their time to help run the programme.”
Over the next few weeks all 12 will take part in a Food Hygiene course, First Aid and a Fire Extinguishing course. They will also take part in activities such as learning how to create CV’s, write letters as well as mock interviews.
