Police teach children 'good citizenship'

School children from Heybrook Primary School recently received a visit from Greater Manchester Police Community Support Officers James Allonby & Louise Cleary to promote a ‘Citizenship in the Community’ project.

Over 60 students benefited from the project which promotes the role of young people in their local community through four, one hour discussion sessions covering a wide range of issues including what makes a good community, young people’s role as citizens and what makes a good citizen.

Pupils are taught how they can be good citizens, about their rights and responsibilities and consequences of not being a good citizen. Using various different methods such as group work, drama, campaign posters and presentation work, the students are taught in a fun and interactive way.

Helping to break down negative perceptions of young people within the community, the project highlights the value of community cohesion along with promoting respect and responsibility within the neighbourhoods. The school community has benefited from the project by creating links with other service providers including the local Police.

Sarah Collins Neighbourhood Officer for the Regenda Group said ‘’It is extremely important that our young residents understand the importance of being a good citizen from an early age and making a positive contribution to their neighbourhoods. This project delivers this objective in a fun and interesting way for the pupils”.

Esther Doolan, Regenda Project Officer explained; “Regenda’s Neighbourhood Regeneration Team has already delivered this project to over 2000 children across the North West and we are delighted to expand and promote the good work and positive message to more schools.

Encouraging young people to work together and take pride in their communities will help create better cleaner and safer communities for all."