The 15-week PCYC Police Doing Good program ran at the PCYC and TAFE with the aim of changing the future of young offenders.

The morning exercise and educational program addressed truancy and crime-related issues and involved students who had been violent.

Youth case manager Senior Constable Andrena Sandison said the program gave the students interaction with police and support from mentors and community groups.

Good Guys Tamworth provided funds and a supervisor for the program, which was also supported by Fire and Rescue NSW, headspace, Joblink Plus, TAFE and Youth InSearch.

“We thought if they had contact at these agencies, they would be more likely to seek help from them,” Senior Constable Sandison said.

At the end of the 15 weeks, the young people had built a picnic table and chairs, which they wanted to donate to a community organisation, and the children of Poppins Playhouse were the lucky recipients.

Poppins Playhouse director Kellie Durant said when Senior Constable Sandison contacted her about the program, she thought it was a great idea.

“The table and chairs are great for the children,” she said.

“Getting more involved in the community and programs like this is very important.” 

Senior Constable Sandison said she saw positive changes in the boys involved, with good attendance levels throughout the program and interest shown from other students.

“I’ve had a lot of other young fellas who were asking to be part of the program,” she said.

She said they hoped to run the program again in Term 4.