Second visit to a Voluntary Police Cadet unit, this time at Kings college in Guildford. One of the three new groups but already as in Woking their turnout was very smart (see photo) and their drill was coming together. They listened to a fascinating talk by a Transport Police Officer about crime around stations and on the tracks with video and stories of trespass which held their attention. Thanks again to the volunteer police officers who run these sessions.
Step by Step is a homelessness charity working across Southern counties concentrating on young people aged 18 and under. They provide a comprehensive range of services of which
the most significant in Surrey is “Talent Coaches” encouraging c100 young people pa in
Guildford and Waverley to “opt into life” and over time improve their self esteem. This 1:1 support will reduce the risk of these individuals facing the prospect of being excluded form schools and all the consequences thereof. Really valuable interventions.
Visited the Woking unit of Surrey Voluntary Police Cadets at one of their weekly sessions at Bishop David Brown School under the guidance of a team of three Police Officers volunteering their time and expertise. The drill parade was very impressive as was their attention to a discussion of health and safety issues.
Met two of the Home Start Surrey Trustees. The charity Home Start provides early help to families who are struggling with young children and thus help prevent domestic crises. Across the County 400 (yes 400!) trained volunteers do amazing work helping each year some 800 families and 2,000 children. This early intervention will improve parenting which will in some cases help young people off a pathway which otherwise might end in exclusion from school and from society. Say thank you to these volunteers.
Monday was the opening of the new Brooklands Aircraft Factory and Flight Shed . The centrepiece of the new exhibition is the Loch Ness Wellington. That and many other exhibits are fascinating. Do visit and do thank the hundreds of volunteers who work at the Museum. All under the brilliant leadership of the Director Allan Winn. With great justification this new hangar is being named after him.
Paraded, laid the first wreath and read a lesson at the Cranleigh Remembrance Service. A very large crowd inspite of the cold wind! The lesson from Micah has the wonderful words: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks, nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more”. A very well organised event by the Royal British Legion.
Attended the Attestation of 63 new Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) , aged 13 to 18 from three units, as they paraded and wore their uniforms for the first time. I joined the Deputy Chief Constable in inspecting their serried ranks and was very impressed with their turnout. As were around 150 proud parents and families attending the event. Surrey Police began the VPC scheme a year ago and there are now six units across the County. These units are run by members of the Police Force who voluntarily give their time. The national objective for the VPC scheme is to recruit at least 25% from disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme offers varied activities and opportunities to enhance the cadets’ interpersonal skills and confidence. The cadets I talked to were really enthusiastic. I am in discussion with Surrey Police how the High Sheriff could play a role in the years ahead in promoting and celebrating this initiative which on today’s evidence is making a real difference to the lives of many young people in the County.
Invited to join the very special occasion at County Hall of a Remembrance Service which culminated with a Falling Poppy Display projected onto the front of the offices. Very dramatic and very poignant remembering every poppy is a casualty of War. I was privileged to read the words after Reveille “When you go home, tell them of us and say: For your tomorrows, we gave our today”.
David Blow the impressive long serving Head of Ashcombe School (1400+ pupils) in Dorking said to me on today’s visit “You can’t delete a child”. What a wonderful attitude to creating a management approach for all his staff which puts the interest off every child first, whatever the challenges and whatever it takes with the commitment to keep the child on the school role and not to have to permanently exclude. A great example of best practice.
Reigate Valley College is another Pupil Referral Unit spread over five sites supporting children of all age groups who have been referred to the PRU by both primary and secondary schools.
I was particularly interested in the young people who come to the PRU at KS 4 (GCSE years). The children receive very personal support both to learn better behaviour
as well as making academic progress. This Reigate PRU is clearly successful because a typical cohort will stay the two year course and 95% will move onto college or apprenticeships.
