Police chief column: Youth volunteers hard at work

Three new recruits in March brought the numbers up to 12 and there is a currently a recruitment drive for a further 12 youth volunteers over the summer months.

The group meets on a Friday afternoon in Musselburgh and I recently had the pleasure of meeting them.

The group is led by two community-based police officers and is supported with the help of five civilian adult volunteers who give up their own time to help the group; their input and assistance is greatly appreciated.

The volunteers recently visited Musselburgh Fire Station, where they learnt about fire safety, and carried out some exercises in relation to learning more about this. There is also a planned visit to the RNLI station in North Berwick, where the group will learn about water safety, which is always a priority in East Lothian, not just for young people but for all ages.

On this note and especially in the light of tragic recent events on Bournemouth beach, I would encourage everyone planning to use the beaches and rivers to check Scottish Fire & Rescue Service: Water Safety (firescotland.gov.uk) for more advice on this, particularly as the water warms up. Whether the North Sea can ever be described as warm is a moot point; however, I’m sure you know what I mean.

PSYV are also involved in volunteering in the community and the group recently helped out at the relay changeover points in Port Seton for the Edinburgh Marathon, giving medals and water to runners. A helping hand was also given to Cockenzie and Port Seton in Bloom with clearing up the Port Seton Boardwalk, which gives wheelchair users access to the beach. The volunteers will be helping out at Longniddry Gala Day on June 17 and also taking part in a sponsored walk in the Musselburgh area to raise funds.

The PSYV is supported by Police Scotland but does not receive any funding, and the group is responsible for raising its own funds in order to help with transport costs, room hire, and the occasional fun day out for the young people to thank them for their hard work.

PSYV gives anyone aged 13-17 an insight into policing in Scotland whilst also providing them with opportunities to do something positive in their local community so, if you are in this age group or know someone who is, I would encourage you to try it out and come along.

To find out more about joining the PSYV as a youth volunteer or an adult volunteer, visit psyv.org