A pioneering scheme launched by police that enrols students with specialist educational needs as volunteer police cadets has been nominated for an award.
Northumbria Police, alongside the Percy Hedley College, launched the UK’s first volunteer police cadet scheme for students with specialist educational needs last year.
The cadetship was for students of the college aged 18-25, and saw eight students at the Percy Hedley Foundation’s Hedleys College, in Newcastle, be given a practical understanding of policing,
Since then, the scheme has been nominated for a British Diversity Award, shortlisted in the 'Community Project of the Year' category.
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Speaking on the award and the scheme, Superintendent Claire Wheatley, of Northumbria Police, said she was delighted their work had been recognised
She said: "Our volunteering work has always been about connecting communities to policing and policing to communities.
“I am extremely proud of our volunteers and the variety of opportunities we have here at Northumbria Police.
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“To be nominated and shortlisted for this award is a fantastic achievement and I couldn't be prouder of our cadets and the scheme that has been introduced, good luck and I look forward to hearing the outcome in March."
The chosen cadets were identified through a recruitment process, and have since been handed their uniforms and been sworn-in.
Over the course of the year, these students will be given a policing education programme, which includes the phonetic alphabet, hate crime, anti-social behaviour, knife crime, crime prevention, internet safety, among other issues.
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Adding to this, a Northumbria Police spokesperson thanked its volunteers for the time they devote to helping staff and officers
Meanwhile, they also wished their cadets luck at the ceremony taking place in March this year.
The awards celebrate organisations and individuals championing diversity, and promoting equality and inclusion across the country.
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