TOWER HAMLETS came out on top at the annual Metropolitan Police Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) awards last week. The borough’s VPC Co-ordinator Steve Austin was named Co-ordinator of the year.
Steve received his award from The Lord-Lieutenant of London, Sir Ken Olisa. He was particularly congratulated for his fund raising skills, which allow him to ensure that cadets in Tower Hamlets can access a wide range of activities at no cost to themselves.
Steve has also been instrumental in developing the Breck Ambassador programme, which was piloted in Tower Hamlets but has now been rolled out across London and nationally. Breck Ambassadors deliver a peer-led presentation about staying safe online. The project is inspired by, and named in memory of, Breck Bednar – who was groomed online and then murdered in 214.
The Ambassadors project won the award for Social Action Team of the Year – a second nod at Steve’s achievements.
Four hundred people gathered in Kensington Great Hall last Saturday to see awards being handed out in recognition of the positive contribution the young VPCs make to their communities.
In addition to Steve Austin, East Londoner Charlie Goodright-Moss from Havering was honoured – winning the Junior Cadet of the Year award. Charlie helped raise money for two children’s charities. He also tours local school assemblies to help recruit new Cadets – and then helps to induct and mentor those new recruits.
•For more information about the Volunteer Police Cadets, go to: https://www.met.police.uk/cadets/
•For more information about Tower Hamlets Volunteer Police Cadets, contact: Steve Austin, Co-ordinator Bethnal Green Police Station, 12 Victoria Park Square, E2 9NZ 07917-232 706 Towerhamletsvpc@met.police.uk Senior cadets (14-19) meet 6-8pm, Wednesday and Thursday Junior cadets (10-13) meet 4.30-5.45pm, Thursday
•Read more about it: Police Volunteer Cadet scheme continues Police Cadet Programme needs Leaders
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