NSW Police deliver welfare packs to vulnerable youth after PCYC NSW services suspended
The NSW Police Force is now involved in delivering welfare packages to ‘at risk’ young people and their families. This is part of their commitment following Covid 19 restriction to shut down all non-essential services.
Since all PCYC New South Wales clubs and facilities have been suspended, police have reached out to young people in the community who frequently use their services. They have provided them with welfare packages, each containing food items and hygiene products.
These packages are compiled by NSW Police Force Youth Case Managers (YCM) and School Liaison Police (SLP). PCYC NSW CEO, Dominic Teakle, said all 64 PCYC clubs across the state had been closed for the community’s safety under the current COVID-19 restrictions. The initiative demonstrates the positive bond between police and youth across New South Wales.
“Many of those who regularly attend our clubs do so for the community, but there are some that rely on us for basics like food and shelter, which makes what the police are doing during this time so important and we thank them,” Mr Teakle said.
The idea was to create 100 activity packs
NSW Police youth case manager Senior Constable Sarah Bancroft said the initial idea was to prepare 100 activity packs for vulnerable youth in the region. However, the idea had such a great response; there are now more bags making their way around the state. The youth case managers have used the opportunity to check in with vulnerable youth to make sure all was well during the coronavirus-enforced isolation period.
Youth and Crime Prevention Commander, Superintendent Mark Wall, said their officers have been looking for new ways to serve and support young people and their families. “As a community we need to help one another through this uncertain time. We hope these welfare packages bring some relief and happiness to those youth who regularly attend these facilities, whether it be for an education program, fitness class, or friendly catch-up.” Supt Wall said.
PCYC focuses in empowering the young
PCYC NSW is one of Australia’s leading youth organisations. The not for profit organisation focuses on empowering young people through personal development programs in partnership with NSW Police Youth and Crime Prevention Command.
PCYC was established in 1937 by Police Commissioner William John MacKay. It was a partnership forged with the community via Rotary to provide young people with sport, educational, vocational, creative and recreational activities.
PCYC is a community charitable organisation that combines a key role for volunteers at Club and Club Committee level, a dispersed network of Clubs under the oversight of a State Office, and a Company Board that includes members appointed by the Minister for Police and members elected from Club Committees.
The implementation of the Commissioner’s RISEUP strategy almost two years ago, although currently suspended, has been a game-changer in youth engagement. Supt Wall said, “We want the community to know we are also forward planning for when restrictions are lifted to help our youth get back on their feet.”
NSW Police Force, together with PCYC NSW, would like to thank the community organisations, individuals and businesses in the region, who put together activity packs and who donated items to include in the youth welfare packages.
