Determined youngsters from Ferryhill primary schools have scooped a prestigious award in honour of their contribution to community safety.
County Durham and Darlington Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has awarded the first-ever Commissioner’s Commendation Award to the Ferryhill Primary School Ambassadors for Community Change.
The ambassadors, who attend schools across Ferryhill, have been working closely with neighbourhood policing teams, the PCC, MPs, councillors’, Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College (FBEC), and local businesses and residents to address community safety issues in the town including road safety and anti-social behaviour.
Their enthusiasm for change has seen them launch their own crime prevention campaign over the 12 days of Christmas to help people take precautions to reduce their risk of crime and join volunteers on a Community Speedwatch programme in Ferryhill to tackle speeding – personally writing to motorists who were found to be breaking the law.
On top of this, the youngsters launched their own crime survey for young people and shared the results with the force and PCC and a further survey for parents and adults so they could inform future safety work.
They also raised community concerns about anti-social behaviour at police PACT meetings and unveiled another important campaign to boost sign-up to the free police messaging service Keep in The Know.
Commissioner Allen said: “I am proud to present the first-ever Commissioner’s Commendation Award to the Ferryhill Primary School Ambassadors. The drive and motivation of these young stalwarts is nothing short of heroic and they should take great pride in the way they have made Ferryhill stronger and more resilient to crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour.
“Their achievements over the past few months have been remarkable from helping me to secure vital Safer Streets funding to ensuring the voices and priorities of young people are heard and understood through their surveys.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I want to recognise the special achievements of individuals, groups and organisations whose efforts are helping to deliver my vision for creating safer, stronger and more resilient.
“My warmest congratulations go to all the ambassadors and the staff who are supporting their ventures for this very well-deserved award. I hope you continue to use your talents for the good of our communities and inspire others with your passion for change.”
The ambassadors’ surveys reached more than 800 young people and adults.
Responding to feedback they received, they organised for Durham Constabulary’s Cyber Prevent and Protect Team to deliver cyber education sessions in all Ferryhill primary schools.
Alongside their crime prevention activities, they also worked with a local MP on railway safety to get a barrier on the railway bridge at the station repaired and worked with the county council to get the footpaths widened to make it easier for pedestrians.
The Commissioner is always keen to recognise the achievements of County Durham and Darlington’s community safety heroes.
Her Commissioner’s Commendation Award is designed to honour outstanding individuals and organisations who have made a difference to their communities. Anyone interested in putting forward a recommendation for consideration of a PCC Commendation should contact the Commissioner’s office for advice and guidance on the process at: general.enquiriespcc@durham-pcc.gov.uk.
