04/10/2024
๐ ๐ YOUNG AT HEART - PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY ๐ ๐
Just a few years ago, it was all too common for police to receive reports of youths acting suspiciously on street corners in rural villages in the Mercia beat area.
With few opportunities for young people to meet and have fun, a number of locations experienced anti-social behaviour.
๐ฎ Determined to change matters, a group of far-sighted community-spirited volunteers at the Maple Tree Cafe, at Repton Village Hall, had a vision to improve things by creating a dedicated youth club - and Officer Bob, from Mercia Safer Neighbourhood Team, got involved.
๐ Almost two years done the line and the youth club has gone from strength to strength - and that's a big part down to some very special people.
๐ And fine examples of this special commitment to young people are two big-hearted youth club leaders - Keith and Emma (pictured) - who now lead Friday evening sessions for dozens of 11 to 17 year-olds.
And Mercia Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is very grateful for the contribution they make to our local community.
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Officer Bob says: "It is hard to remember life in the village before the youth club. The children love it, and the community appreciate it. Huge thanks to Keith and Emma for their amazing skills in encouraging young people to have fun in a safe place. The youth club is definitely the place to be on a Friday evening - and the fact that the local community, through the vision of volunteers at the Maple Tree Cafe, are at the heart of its success, is so wonderful."
๐ Well done to everyone who supports the youth club - it is so much appreciated by Derbyshire Constabulary.