Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner invited youngsters from a Staffordshire school to find out more about his role and the work of Staffordshire Police today.
Students from the Birches Head Academy in Stoke-on-Trent, are all part of the Prince’s Trust Mosaic mentoring programme encouraging them to take a positive move towards employment, education or training.
PCC Matthew Ellis welcomed them to his office, prior to their tour of Staffordshire Police. ‘Some young people don’t have that and don’t necessarily get the breaks in life that they need.
‘There have always been two or three people in my life that I could count on to help and support me.
‘Encouraging youngsters to do their best and succeed is paramount to making a real difference in their lives and I am delighted that my office are supporting the Princes Trust with this programme.’
David Morris, Policy and Research Lead for the OPCC, who volunteers as a Prince’s Trust Mentor has been working with the youngsters throughout the academic year. ‘As a mentor I can now help people make that leap forward at those critical moments in their life.
‘Seeing their self-doubt transform into self-worth shows the difference you are helping to make in their lives.
‘I have been there to listen to them; explore the opportunities that are available and look at the challenges in a way that helps them find the right solution’.
As well as hearing about the Youth Commission and Staffordshire Police Cadets, two initiatives set up by Matthew Ellis to encourage youngsters to make a difference in society, the students had a tour of the control room at police headquarters, as well as seeing the police dogs in training.
Students engaged with a number of officers and police staff throughout their day. Among them was Deputy Chief Constable Nick Baker. ‘It was a pleasure to welcome the young people to Staffordshire Police headquarters to allow them an insight into some of the areas of our work.
‘I hope the things they saw and heard will give them a better understanding of the police and stands them in good stead for the future.’
They finished their day talking about firearms offences as well as having a go at forensics and the important role it plays in day to day policing.
Careers and Recruitment coordinator at the Academy, Josephine Bailey, said: ‘The youngsters have really benefited from being on the Princes Trust mentor programme.
‘The students all come from different backgrounds and started the programme lacking in skills to express themselves.
‘They have all grown in self-esteem and are looking at positive ways to develop when they leave school.
‘We are extremely lucky to have worked with the mentors and appreciate the time and skill they have brought to the programme’.
Volunteer and secondment executive at the Princes Trust, Pritpal Surj, wants to hear from like-minded adults who feel they could offer their skills to the mentoring programme. ‘It’s been great to see the students gradually become more involved throughout the day with Staffordshire Police.
‘David Morris has been a great support for the kids throughout the project and everyone has built on his enthusiasm throughout the day’.
Anyone wishing to become a mentor should email pritpal.surj@princes-trust.org.uk
