Police give local lads a break

With Greenbank Community Support Officer Adrian Beaumontís support, 20 year-old Shaw Trust client Chris Dingsdale has been recruited as a Police Community Volunteer in St Helens after months of searching for suitable openings.

In addition, 19 year old Liam Rouski, another Shaw Trust client with learning difficulties, has been out observing with CSO Beaumont whilst out on patrol in and around the Town Centre. Liam is now pursuing an application to become a Police Community Volunteer.

Chris and Liam, who both have learning difficulties, are clients of the St Helensí project of national charity Shaw Trust, which provides training and work opportunities to people disadvantaged in the labour market due to disability, ill health, or social circumstances.

They have piled on skills and confidence with the Trust, but were desperate for work experience as they progressed towards their dream of having their own jobs.

Then a Shaw Trust client visit to St Helens Police Station triggered off something wonderful. Visit host CSO Adrian Beaumont offered to take a client on patrol and Chris leapt at the chance.

Iím delighted with them. They make a real difference and their help is invaluable to me, said the former driving instructor who has been a Police CSO for nearly three years.

Iíve got a disability myself, a hearing problem, and Iíve had lots of help from Merseyside Police to assist me in my job. Itís nice to be able to help other people with problems, adds Adrian, who lives in Warrington. Merseyside Police in St Helens has 40 Police Community Support Officers (CSOs), who are tasked with problem solving at a local level, tackling issues affecting the lives of communities in St Helens and, in particular, targeting areas that experience problems with youth disorder.

CSOs are fully integrated into the Neighbourhood Policing team and promote public reassurance by providing a dedicated, uniformed, high visibility foot patrol in the neighbourhood. In addition, Police in St Helens has 67 Police Community Volunteers.

Chris is supervised at all times and has been highly visible in a Community Volunteer fluorescent jacket. He has been involved in a series of initiatives, including observing Community Speedwatch in action and distributing crime prevention advice across the borough.

I love every bit of it, because Iíve always wanted to join the police, but I especially enjoyed the Speedwatch, said Chris.

Community Speedwatch addresses speeding motorists, particularly in residential areas. One driver was doing 50mph in a 30mph limit, but most people slow down when they see the Police Officers and CSOs itís great to make a difference.

It feels like weíre doing something really worthwhile, added Liam, who wants to work in a warehouse.

Not only are we getting experience, weíre also helping the community, which feels good.

Liamís mum Yvonne, who is an administration officer at St Helens Technical College, says sheís thrilled with her sonís progress.

I was very worried about him at one time because he seemed to be going off the rails a bit, but it was sheer boredom of sitting around the house with nothing to do, she said.

Shaw Trust has been brilliant for him and the work with Adrian has been wonderful. Heís really enjoying it and heís got something to talk about at the end of the week.

Chrisís mum, also called Yvonne, is delighted too. He came back buzzing after the first day. Iím so proud of him, not only because he had the courage to do it, but because his success means that others will get the chance too.

He has always enjoyed going to Shaw Trust, but this is something extra special. This moves him on towards the chance of paid work, thanks to Shaw Trust and Adrian, who takes the time to understand and offer affirmation that Chris is doing all right. Thatís what gives people like Chris the confidence they need.

Modest Adrian says that he is enjoying every minute of his time with the lads. They are lovely guys and I can see how theyíre developing and gaining confidence. Thatís a great thing to be part of, explained Adrian, who has two daughters and three stepsons.

I relate to young people and I know how difficult it is to get a career started at the best of times. Iím delighted to be part of something that gives a chance to young people who struggle to find openings.

Shaw Trust St Helens Development Officer Julie Tattum praised Adrian and Merseyside Police for their support. Chris and Liam are really enjoying the experience and it has improved their confidence and self esteem enormously, she said.

This is a really good opportunity for them not only to help the community but also to gain experience for their CVs as they prepare for the world of work.

It would be great if more employers could follow Merseyside Policeís lead.

* Our picture shows Chris Dingsdale (left) on patrol with CSO Adrian Beaumont.

* If your company could offer work experience for Shaw Trust clients, please contact Julie Tattum on 01744 454577.

* Merseyside Police is always looking for Police Community Volunteers, who assist the police in a number of roles, including Communication Champion, Speed Watch Operative or Enquiry Officer. Contact Lynne Carberry on 0151 777 6047.