The latest successful participants of the Prince's Trust held their final presentation to showcase their achievements, on Thursday, April 23 2009, in front of an audience of over 100 invited guests at the Town House, Aberdeen.
Piper Alex Simpson from the Police Pipe Band welcomed the guests and helped set the scene of the Homecoming Year.
The Team, who started on 2 February 2009, were based with Aberdeen Foyer, Marywell Street, Aberdeen and included Police Cadets, Natasha Watt and Cristofer Campbell along with twelve members of the general public.
Together, they raised £715 by bag packing, selling a spelling competition based on fruits and carrying out a sponsored walk. The group also carried out a Community Project at Inchgarth Community Centre, Garthdee, Aberdeen, which involved the demolition of a skateboard ramp; re-turfing; painting walls and doors outside and inside as well as railings. These tasks were described as really beneficial to those who use the centre and the local community.
As part of their 'Team Challenge' the team also used some of the money they raised to assist individuals from Inspire, a group who offer support to people with learning difficulties, to go on a day visit to the North East Falconry Visitors Centre near Huntly. A donation was also made to Inspire funds.
The Princes Trust is a National Programme, which is delivered locally in the North East by the Aberdeen Foyer, in both Aberdeen and Peterhead. Grampian Police support the programme with Sergeant Andy MacLean, Aberdeen Division, who is the latest Officer to take up a six-month placement with the Trust.
Sergeant Andy MacLean, said, "The use of Police Officers in either delivering or assisting in delivering the programme is really well established."
"It allows for not only personal development but also for the Team members participating to gain an appreciation of Police Officers away from the formal environment they may otherwise have encountered."
"Having Alex welcome the guests was fantastic and everyone was really impressed."
The Police Cadets completed the programme on a part-time basis, which involves them attending for 20 days as employed participants.
Chief Superintendent Donald, Aberdeen Division presented certificates to the team members to mark their achievements.
The Prince’s Trust enables 16-25 year olds to get their lives working: developing confidence and skills to get into work and start their own businesses. It particularly targets those who are unemployed, under-skilled, within or leaving the criminal justice system or leaving care.
One of The Trust’s largest programmes is the Team programme: a 12- week full-time programme aiming to re-engage young people and help them to think positively about their futures. Work placements form a very valuable part of this experience as many young people face barriers to employment, not least a lack of confidence due to little experience or knowledge of the workplace.
For further information on the Prince's Trust, Sergeant MacLean or Jackie Whiting can be contacted on (01224) 212924 or via Andrew.MacLean@grampian.pnn.police.uk or Jackiew@aberdeenfoyer.com
ENDS