'Kids against crime' is surely becoming a big hit across primary schools in the Stockton Borough; thanks to the help of dedicated volunteers, its not just maths and science our children are studying. With Covering topics such as the role of the police, crime prevention and anti social behaviour, there is nothing the Junior Neighbourhood Watch scheme doesn't offer.
The scheme is run as an after school club, come rain or shine the group meets throughout the year. Kitted out in specialised Neighbourhood Watch uniforms the kids are always ready for crime busting action!
The scheme aims to engage with young people and encourage them to take an interest in what is happening in their neighbourhoods. The scheme hopes to generate a personal concern and keen awareness in certain issues including; their personal safety, their community and crime and disorder. The scheme is to inspire our young people to care.
Currently, in Stockton there are five schools that have already took up the challenge, with five more eagerly waiting to come on board. Each school has around twenty members within the group all aged from 7-11 and the aim is have thirty schools involved within the next six months.
Each meeting, special guests come and visit the group, from the police to the fire brigade, community safety to road safety, they each deliver a valuable lesson to the children. They don't only bring positive role models into the schools to meet the children, but the children get a chance to visit them at work. They hope through the work they do and how they deliver it that they are giving children, especially in the tough areas a fighting chance at a better future.
The children in the scheme then relay information to the rest of the school by keeping an up to date notice board in a communal area and by delivering an assembly to the rest of the school that covers important subjects.
We believe this programme empowers children and gives them ways to opt out of situation they may become involved in.
The Junior Neighbourhood Watch scheme is funded by donations from local businesses including Stockton-on-Tees Crime Prevention Panel.
Charitable Trust Number 1065762