News
Officers praise community group
Dated: 08 Aug 2012
[View Full Size]Police in Sunderland have praised a Sunderland group for doing their bit for their local community.
Pallion Action Group (PAG) was formed in 1993 by a small group of local residents who wanted to take action against problems in their community.
It prides itself on offering a wide range recreational and educational opportunities for the whole community, young, old and those in the middle.
Projects the group has been involved in include transforming wasteland on Falmouth Road into a community garden space for all, working with environmental development organisation CEED which obtained £31,000 in project funding from Natural England and the National Lottery.
PAG also offers the The Duke of Edinburgh Award open to anyone aged 14 to 24 with four sections in the scheme: volunteering, physical, skills and expedition.
A new group of young volunteers at PAG has set up and are soon to launch a new self-help website for young people who may be facing difficulties in their life and are looking for advice as part of the national 24/24 Project.
Funded by national charity V, the project is working with 16 to 19-year-olds to offer them quality volunteering opportunities for 24 hours a week for a period of 24 weeks. It is designed to help them become more community minded while assisting them to develop enhanced personal and employment skills.
Young people can also become involved in the Street Dance Project offered by PAG as well as West Aspirations - a pre-employment project for those aged 16 plus where CV and interview techniques are available.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Kevin Jones, from Sunderland West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "As Northumbria Police's campaign tackling anti-social behaviour - 'Put yourself in their shoes' - continues, it's only right that the good work of PAG is highlighted.
"Neighbourhood Beat Managers and Community Support Officers frequently visit the group and fully support the projects they are involved in.
"These help youngsters take part in activities that not only assist with their personal development, but also give a real boost to the whole community.
"I hope by sharing the group's work, people can move away from the perception that all young people are trouble makers and responsible for committing anti-social behaviour."
Doreen Buckingham, PAG centre manager, added: "PAG strives to get young people off the streets and involved in positive activities to promote their confidence and self esteem."
PCSO Mark Chambers pictured with Karen Wood, Community Development Worker at Pallion Action Group