Partnership to open new doors for Police Youth Volunteers in South Wales

South Wales Police has partnered with the Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services (CWVYS) to enhance the delivery of the force’s Police Youth Volunteers scheme and to open up new opportunities for young people.

The four-year agreement is being funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner and marks an exciting new chapter for the Police Youth Volunteer scheme which was first launched by South Wales Police in 2014.

The scheme has grown considerably since then – today there are over 100 volunteers aged between 14 and 17 based at eight hubs across South Wales and supported by local policing teams.

The volunteers (often referred to as PYVs) are part of a police youth group recognised throughout the UK. The scheme aims to inspire members to participate positively in their communities and encourages good citizenship and the spirit of adventure. Volunteers often take part in work which supports local policing priorities and learn skills that enhance their work in the community.

CWVYS will work closely with its partners including the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Wales and their youth workers as well as Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) whose students from the youth and community and criminology and policing programmes will be volunteering as part of their programme placement. All will team up with existing PYV ‘Leaders’ – made up of PCSOs, police officers and police support volunteers – to deliver a bespoke programme.

Working with the likes of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, St John Cymru and other youth work providers, activities will be based on the needs of PYVs themselves and will include access to a range of opportunities which will positively impact on their health, wellbeing, personal and social development and with support for PYVs’ education, training and employment prospects.

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Alun Michael, said:

“I am very pleased to announce this innovative partnership which enables us to build on the existing success of the scheme and take it to the next level.

“CWVYS has unrivalled experience of delivering quality youth work which will bring tremendous benefits for our many volunteers. Central to this will be the opportunity to complete stages in the Duke of Edinburgh Award which I know first-hand helps young people thrive and develop. Linking with the voluntary youth work sector in Wales and the two universities makes this a really exciting development.”

Assistant Chief Constable Danny Richards said:

“The Police Youth Volunteer scheme provides opportunities for young people to develop an understanding of policing and public service. It encourages the development of personal and communication skills whilst encouraging good citizenship through engagement with local communities.”

Paul Glaze, Chief Executive of CWVYS, said:

“Along with our partners, we are delighted to be given the opportunity to work with the Police Youth Volunteers and Leaders across all of the vibrant Hubs in South Wales. We aim to support and to provide the best possible youth work-based programmes which meet the needs of all existing PYVs and those yet to join. We can’t wait to get started!”