Children who have worked tirelessly to champion issues in their community have been praised by Durham Constabulary’s Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner.
CC Jo Farrell and PCC Joy Allen took part in a special question and answer session with the Ferryhill Young Ambassadors, at Dean Bank Primary School, in Ferryhill, last Monday afternoon (July 4).
The ambassadors – made up of children from across all schools in Ferryhill and supported by Approach Too CIC, have been working together in partnership with PCSO Thomas Roberts and the neighbourhood team to champion community issues including speeding, anti-social behaviour and launching their own crime prevention campaign over the 12 days of Christmas.
Speeding drivers have even been sent letters from the children following Community Speedwatch with some drivers personally apologising to them.
They continue to work with the Ferryhill Neighbourhood Policing Team during PACT meetings and surveyed more than 500 adults and children in Ferryhill to ask them what they wanted to see change in the community.
Glenys Newby, of Approach Too CIC, said: “The work children and young people do in Ferryhill is inspirational.
“They work together to find out the views of people in the area, and then they are supported to work in partnership with those adults who can help them bring about positive change.
“The idea is, if children and young people know what is happening, then they have the choice to accept it or change what is happening.”
During their Q&A session with CC Farrell and Mrs Allen, the children grilled the adults on what more can be done to make their community safer and asked questions on a range of topics from CCTV to speeding and tougher sentences for criminals.
CC Farrell said: “It is great to see so many inspirational young people taking pride in their community, using their voices to lobby for change and improvements for their local area. I am really pleased to see them being rewarded for their hard work and dedication in Ferryhill.
“It shows what can be done when communities come together and seek long lasting meaningful change. Well done to all the Ferryhill Young Ambassadors.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “When I met with the ambassadors I told them how I had used the results from my Police and Crime Survey to inform the Police and Crime Plan and how important it was for Police and Crime Commissioners to respond to the publics policing priorities. The Ambassadors quickly offered to help me hear the voices and priorities of young people by undertaking a young person’s crime survey.
“They not only did this; they did one for adults too and shared the results with both the chief and myself. They have done an amazing job and are making a real difference in their communities. Both they and their parents should be very proud. I would love to see more young people getting involved in helping me to make the communities of County Durham and Darlington safer, stronger and more resilient to crime and anti-social behaviour.”
