PCSO community visit shares slice of policing life with Scouts

Members of a Scout group have been learning more about the world of policing and how to raise concerns with a trusted adult.

South Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Policing Team’s Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Matthew Taylor recently visited the 58^th Northampton (Ihsan) Scouts group to meet with children in its Beavers and Scouts sections.

As well as answering questions about what it’s like to work for Northamptonshire Police, Matthew also introduced the group to the Blue Butterfly scheme, which aims to help children understand the feelings they might have if they witness or suffer issues including bullying or abuse.

They learned about the scheme’s Hand of Trust element, which gives children an easy way to identify a trusted adult if they have a worry or problem they want to talk about.

Matthew said: “As a volunteer with the Scout Association myself, I think it’s really important and enjoyable to visit groups like this as part of my PCSO role.

“It’s always lovely to see the enthusiasm the children have for learning more about policing and it’s a great way to educate them on who they can safely turn to if they have any concerns or worries going on.

“I’m looking forward to continuing my work with this group and helping the Beavers and Scouts as they work towards their community impact badge in the future.”