Last week, Approach Too CIC and the Ambassadors for Community Change received a High Sheriff Young People Award in recognition for their work in the community.
Not only that, but they received an amazing £3,000 which means they can take another 30 children and young people on a trip to London to meet local MP Paul Howell and experience the Houses of Parliament.
Glenys Newby from Approach Too said: “The award was given for all the work the Ambassadors have done in partnership the office of Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, schools, families and children in Ferryhill to help prevent crime.
“It started when the Ambassadors created a Crime Survey for children and adults to complete in Ferryhill.
“Over 700 people completed the survey which gave valuable data around the experience and perceptions of crime in the village.
“They have shared these results of their work with people who can help them make positive changes such as the MP, local and county councillors, the Area Action Partnership, the Police and Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
“The survey was also used as evidence of need to secure Safer Streets funding for Ferryhill.”
Over the last year, the Ambassadors designed and rolled out a crime prevention programme which was completed by over 110 children across 4 primary schools.
The “Commissioners Challenge” used the information from their survey to develop a project where pupils can earn a Bronze, Silver and Gold Shield by carrying out simple but effective crime prevention tasks in their home.
Tasks were designed to help keep themselves, family, friends and neighbours safe.
Information and crime prevention tips were shared with their community through social media, notice boards, press articles and by attending events.
The programme was so successful, the Commissioner’s Challenge has been rolled out to all primary schools in County Durham.
Since September, Ambassadors with secondary student leaders have been developing the Commissioners Challenge to include a Platinum Challenge.
This will raise awareness of Cyber Crime to 170 year 7 students and the impact this can have on family and friends.
Glenys added: “As well as this, Ambassadors from all the schools regularly litter pick and keep their dog poo bag dispensers filled to help keep their community safe and clean.
“They have created social media posts and press articles to encourage others to do the same.
“They carry out speed awareness checks with the local police and Val Watson and they have upgraded five of the town’s notice boards with fresh felt backing, street maps, local history and community information to restore a sense of pride in the town.
“They have invited the Dogs Trust, DCC Civic Pride and Digital Eagles into school assemblies to talk to all pupils about how to keep safe.
“They have led a campaign to ‘Spread Happiness’ in their community by creating thank you hearts for staff at local nursing homes, created huge posters with positive messages for the town’s billboards and randomly gave out Christmas cards to residents to reach out and let them know people do care.
“To help achieve their goals, the Ambassadors reach out to local organisations and businesses and they constantly share news of their work which reflects positively on perceptions of children and young people and which helps build a community spirit.
“They really do deserve this amazing award!”
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
