Shropshire ACF in partnership with West Mercia Constabulary Local Policing Teams deliver two courses per year for young people aged between 12 – 14 years of age.
The courses are designed to encourage the participants to develop their Social, Physical and Team Working Skills. This is done by taking part in team building activities, adventure training, a taster of Cadet life in the field and a Heart Start course where they learn basic First Aid Skills.
From 2011 the scheme will also offer GSCE credits to the participants in practical skills. The scheme is completely voluntary for those on the programme. Participants identified as crime vulnerable or socially or educationally disadvantaged are referred to Outreach projects by partner agencies.
Partners tend to be either; local schools, Youth Offending Teams (YOT's) (operated by police and local authorities), Social Services, local community groups or local Police. Typical referral issues are low or no self-esteem, low personal achievement, school or social exclusion, truancy, or challenging behavioural problems.
All the youngsters voluntarily agree to participate in the Outreach project and can leave at anytime, but in reality, few choose to do so.
A well structured and disciplined activity programme is operated through a working partnership with the referring agencies, i.e. the schools, YOT's, Police and the ACF adult leaders and cadet directing staff who act as role models. Using experienced cadets gives the vulnerable youngsters a rare glimpse of the positive benefits gained by children of their own age group.
The courses are designed to encourage the participants to develop their Social, Physical and Team Working Skills. This is done by taking part in team building activities, adventure training, a taster of Cadet life in the field and a Heart Start course where they learn basic First Aid Skills.
From 2011 the scheme will also offer GSCE credits to the participants in practical skills. The scheme is completely voluntary for those on the programme. Participants identified as crime vulnerable or socially or educationally disadvantaged are referred to Outreach projects by partner agencies.
Partners tend to be either; local schools, Youth Offending Teams (YOT's) (operated by police and local authorities), Social Services, local community groups or local Police. Typical referral issues are low or no self-esteem, low personal achievement, school or social exclusion, truancy, or challenging behavioural problems.
All the youngsters voluntarily agree to participate in the Outreach project and can leave at anytime, but in reality, few choose to do so.
A well structured and disciplined activity programme is operated through a working partnership with the referring agencies, i.e. the schools, YOT's, Police and the ACF adult leaders and cadet directing staff who act as role models. Using experienced cadets gives the vulnerable youngsters a rare glimpse of the positive benefits gained by children of their own age group.
