The Police Service of NSW has had a long-running program that is aimed towards providing a safe and caring environment for youth within surrounding communities. The program has been running for over 40 years and has tremendously impacted the lives of the young ones who are members; particularly those that are vulnerable.
The spread of COVID-19, however, has had a significant impact on our ability to provide our usual services. With quarantine mandates and gathering restrictions in place, we have had to suspend services across all centres in the state. However, our commitment and determination to providing essential services to those that are in need remains. To that end, we have, through the PCYC NSW, started putting together and delivering care packages to those most vulnerable and in need.
The care packages are as/sembled with the help of volunteers from the School Liaison Officers and Police Force Youth Liaison Officers who put together various goods donated through the generosity of a range of local companies as well as individual well-wishers. Each package contains a variety of wellness products and some foodstuff.
Distribution of packages has already begun with deliveries to some cities fulfilled and distributed to those that need them most.
According to Capability, Performance and Youth Commander, Assistant Commissioner Paul Pisanos APM, the providence of these care packages also serves to demonstrate to those that benefit that the NSW Police remains committed to the youth that relies on the services and spaces that are available to them at the clubs.
This sentiment is mirrored by the CEO of PCYC NSW, Don Teakle. Mr Teakle acknowledges that the restrictions put in place, and the subsequent club closures, while necessary, have been terribly inopportune and have presented a lot of challenges, to those that turn to the clubs for the providence of some of their basic needs. Having the aid of the police, therefore, has been a valuable resource in continuing to render help where they can.
The care packages also act as a lifeline that serves to maintain the youth’s connection to the centres and resources that are so vital in the formation of character and development of interests as they grow up. By having the reassurance brought about by the effort that goes into the assembly and delivery of these care packages, those that attend the clubs can keep in touch with those that can render aid in their time of dire need.
Superintendent Mark Wall, Youth and Crime Prevention Commander, believes that continued help is crucial, not just for the youth, but for their families as well. According to Sup Wall, this demonstration of community and the effort put in by the officers could be a source of relief and happiness.
Additionally, the process of adaptation and the implementation of new methods to certify that the youth that so relies on these clubs, has opened up new avenues of interaction and a greater feeling of safety within communities served.
Therefore, despite the suspension of club services, PCYC NSW, with the help of the NSW Police Force is still doing their best to see to it that the vulnerable and at-risk youths within their communities are not overlooked and still have a lifeline.
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