Police say thank you to volunteers

Retired Tameside resident Margaret Taylor, 67, volunteers her time on a regular basis helping out at the police room at Ashton indoor market

Greater Manchester Police is celebrating the contribution made by volunteers in the community for the benefit of others.

As part of Volunteers’ Week from 1-7 June people across Greater Manchester are being encouraged to give up their time to make a difference in their communities.

One way that people can give their time and benefit the community is to volunteer with the police.

Retired Tameside resident Margaret Taylor, 67, volunteers her time on a regular basis helping out at the police room at Ashton indoor market.

Margaret said: “I’ve been volunteering with the police for 25 years and first got involved through Home Watch. The police handed out leaflets around where I live and my neighbour and I decided to go along to a meeting. Initially my neighbour was the local Home Watch coordinator, but when they moved I took over because I didn’t want the scheme to fold and from there I became the ward coordinator.

“I joined the Home Watch scheme because I liked the idea of neighbours getting together and looking out for one another. Everyone where I live has been very positive about the scheme and I think it makes people feel safer and if anyone does see something suspicious we feel we can approach the police.”

Margaret was then asked by her Home Watch administrator to help out at events across Tameside.

“I didn’t decide to get more involved, it just happened,” said Margaret.

It was through her Home Watch work that the Tameside North Neighbourhood Policing Team decided to approach Margaret to staff a mobile police station every Tuesday during police surgeries on Ashton market.

When the police subsequently opened a room at Ashton indoor market Margaret was asked whether she would again be willing to help take enquiries on Tuesdays and Fridays.

“Everyday varies so you never know who you are going to get in. People range from tiny tots to older people. Some just come in to see what we are giving away, while others will want crime prevention advice or to report something that they have seen,” said Margaret.

Margaret added that as a market trader for 40 years she knows a lot of people in the area and it is the variety of work that keeps her interested.

“I like to be kept busy and if I can do something worthwhile then that’s better than sitting at home,” she said.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “Volunteers such as Margaret can make a huge difference to their neighbourhoods and other people’s lives. I hope that by hearing Margaret’s story more people will be encouraged to give their time and make Greater Manchester a better place to live and work.”

People may also be interested in joining the Special Constabulary as a volunteer officer. Special Constables are trained to the same high standards as full-time officers, providing strong links and good relationships between communities and the police.

If you’d like more information about how to volunteer for Greater Manchester Police please visit www.gmp-recruitment.co.uk