22
Oct
2014
By Calvin at 14:43 GMT, 9 years ago
News article from Durham Constabulary
A police community support officer, (PCSO), and a housing manager from Darlington’s YMCA have been nominated for a WOW award for outstanding public service.
PCSO 7520 Chris Weighill of Darlington’s neighbourhood policing teamand Karen Johnson the housing manager at YMCA, Middleton Street, Darlington have worked tirelessly to get some brilliant results.
This particular YMCA sheltered housing complex has 32 self-contained flats, where men and women aged between 16yrs and 25yrs can stay for up to one year. This facility has a number of support workers on site, to work with the residents in order for them to move into their own property and become more independent.
Due to the nature and background of the clients there can be issues around each person, some simple some complex which can be quite demanding and require intensive support.
An ongoing issue at the premises is low level substance misuse which Chris and Karen have both worked closely over the last 18 months in an effort to minimise issues and engage with residents.
Chris and Karen have both worked hard to involve Switch who are a team of drug and alcohol workers working with young people aged 10 - 18 years, who provide an holistic individual and flexible approach to young people experiencing problems with substance misuse and NECCA who promote the prevention, recognition and treatment associated to use and misuse of substances including alcohol, drugs and gambling.
There have been lots of success stories with the two most recent documented below. These are largely due to both Chris and Karen’s determination to help these young people.
Client 1 - Previously major issues with cannabis use, built up rent arrears and using amphetamine. This young gentleman is now positively engaging with his support worker and has secured his own private tenancy. He has enrolled on a 12 week Princes Trust course and staff are now sad to see this client leave, due to him becoming a pleasant resident to work with. He is continuing with support from the YMCA and continues to visit and use the gym as well as making time to catch up with staff. Previously he had been easily influenced by others but now has the confidence to say no to people and is keeping himself on the right track.
Client 2 - Previous issues with cannabis use, build-up of rent arrears and was a main offender within the building and constant problem for staff. This person has now paid off all rent arrears and keeps up to date with all payments. They have also completed a 12 week Princes Trust course and has now secured a council property.
The recent low number of incidents at the YMCA and the success stories coming from residents show that the support work from the YMCA and police is working in partnership with the support offered from NECCA and SWITCH. These 2 examples of recent success can be attributed to the hard work and great communication between the YMCA, local neighbourhood policing team and partnership relations with NECCA and SWITCH, none of which would have been possible without Chris and Karen’s intervention and is a testament to their personal tenacious determination and dedication to make a difference in these young people’s lives.
TCPW Comment: Here’s one more example of working behind the scenes that is rarely heard about. This work is incredibly important for crime prevention, because many young people with drug use problems turn to crime to fund their habits. Well done to both Chris and Karen!
Source Durham Constabulary: https://www.durham.police.uk/news-and-events/Pages/News%20Articles/Partnership-working-pays-off.aspx
