The Sandwell Princes Trust Scheme

The Sandwell Prince's Trust Team Programme is run by PC Andy Peters and PCSO Lynette Littlehales at Smethwick Police Station.

The Prince's Trust Team Programme courses in Sandwell are being run from a dedicated room located at Smethwick Police Station. The idea of running the team from a police station is to try and break down the barriers between young people and the police.

Prince's Trust courses are aimed at young people between the ages of 16 and 25. Each programme consists of 12 weeks worth team building, positive activities and personal development.

During the courses, young people also do a weeks residential at a centre either in the Peak District or Wales. This is a team building week where everybody gets to know each other while participating in various positive activities.

Upon returning from the residential centre, the youngsters have two weeks to run their fund raising initiatives. The funds raised are then used for the groups chosen 'Community Project'.

Previous examples of chosen community projects include the building of a specialist garden in Oldbury for children with learning disabilities.

The young volunteers also take part in a team challenge that sees them going out into the community and working with groups a lot less fortunate than themselves.

The 12 week courses end with a presentation night for family and friends. This is an emotional end to the 12 weeks, and highlights the achievements of the people involved.

PC Andy Peters says "It is a great scheme for young people to get involved with. The youngsters get a lot of support from the Trust and their team leaders. These schemes certainly break down barriers between young people, the local police, and the community.

The youngsters get some great experience during the course, and end up with a raft of qualifications that reward their hard work and commitment."