March 2010
The Prince’s Trust helps bringing a community together
A group of young people and Merseyside
Fire & Rescue Service in partnership with Merseyside Police
clearly show there is more to Croxteth and Norris Green than gang
fights.
A
Prince’s Trust Team programme run from a Fire Academy is offering
young people an alternative to the vicious circle of gang crime and
unemployment.
The 12-week-programme takes young people through a journey of
personal discovery, involving outdoor pursuits, work placements,
community projects, fundraising and other valuable activities along
the way.
Currently there are ten young people between the ages of 18 and
23 on the course.
Particpant, Danny, 20, said:The first week I
was a bit nervous, nobody knew anybody else. After that it’s been a
scream. Now I look forward to getting in every morning and seeing
everyone.The Team Leader is Dave Hogg, who is on a 12-month
secondment from Merseyside Police. Despite the reputation for
anti-social behaviour and criminal activity the area has he says
the young people are open to his involvement, if a little wary at
first.
He said:I saw it as an opportunity to
encourage and motivate people and help them to choose what to do
with their lives. “I tell them from the beginning that I’m a
police officer. I’m completely open with them about it. Initially
there is surprise, as they don’t expect it, and they ask a lot of
questions about my job.The team understands that I am here to
support them and everyone gets on well."
“It is challenging but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The thing
I enjoy most is getting to meet a lot of different types of people,
who’ve had different life experiences. They all show huge potential
and it’s exciting to see how they develop.”