Hats off as PSNI Cadets complete Cares challenge

Dedicated PSNI student officers have completed a Business in the Community Cares Challenge in Carrickfergus.

It’s been great having support from Business in the Community. Staff and tenants are grateful for the time and effort provided by the volunteers.

Big hearted recruits from the police service armed themselves with brushes and paints to re-decorate flats in the 24 hour supported housing scheme in the Co. Antrim town.

Assisting the charity Rethink, which provides a range of support and recovery services for people with severe mental illness and their carers, accommodation was spruced up for current residents.

Team leader Tracy Ann Turner expressed delight at the PSNI students completing the challenge. 

She said; “It’s been great having support from Business in the Community. Staff and tenants are grateful for the time and effort provided by the volunteers.”

Sergeant Stephen Henry., who co-ordinated the challenge, commented, “Students attending the PSNI training college have traditionally spent time working on environmental challenges and voluntary community projects.

“A considerable amount of the Student Officer’s training is in the area of Police and Community Relationships, with a strong emphasis on Policing with the Community, Problem Solving and Community Safety.”

He added, “The challenges that the students undertake with Business in the Community provide an opportunity to engage in local initiatives with local people. 

“This provides assistance to local communities while reinforcing to our students that an essential part of their work when they eventually graduate as Constables will be establishing and working in partnerships with communities and related organisations.” 

Business in the Community helps companies act responsibly through employee volunteering, including team and individual opportunities, enabling people expand their skills in a totally new environment.

Martin Howell, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Business in the Community Northern Ireland, commented, "In the past, employers might have organised teambuilding days which may, for example, have simply been leisure activities. 

“More and more employers now look for challenges with added value that help develop people while leaving lasting impacts on the community.

“Hats off to all the student officers involved. PSNI has shown real leadership and commitment to developing student officers while making a positive community impact.”