City Academy students ‘empowered and inspired’ by new police initiative
A school in Bristol is supporting a groundbreaking police initiative aimed at fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and young Black individuals in Bristol and beyond.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary, in conjunction with Elevated Minds CIC, is working with City Academy students and students across the country, to help build stronger relationships with young Black people in Bristol and nationally.
The partnership with Elevated Minds CIC is part of the National Police Race Action Plan and an initiative that encourages children of Black heritage to have their say in how the police can better engage with them.
Expert educational practitioners from Elevated Minds joined Avon and Somerset Police’s school engagement and neighbourhood officers at City Academy, seeking the opinions of students of Black heritage about their local police service and gathering their ideas for improving relationships with them.
The programme also aims to improve children of Black heritage’s perceptions of the police and encourage them to consider a career in the police service.
Elevated Minds envisions a world where young people and their families are equipped and empowered to know who they are, identify their purpose and raise their aspirations.
The organisation believes in the power of coaching and personal development and use both to help young people to improve their emotional intelligence which has a direct impact on their attainment in education and their aspirations.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in promoting diversity, understanding, and collaboration within the community.
Doreen Sinclair-McCollin, CEO of Elevated Minds, said: “Our programme was developed after many years working closely with the Metropolitan Police and inner-city schools in London, which has helped us understand what the police must do to build strong and positive relationships with young people.”
Hardeep Konsal, Inclusion Manager at City Academy, said: “The positive workshop for young people with Elevated Minds and the police and was both engaging and informative. Doreen, who was leading the workshop was approachable and supportive, creating a safe space for participants to ask questions and share their thoughts and concerns.
“Through interactive activities and discussions, the workshop fostered a sense of collaboration and mutual understanding between the young people and the police.
“The participants left the workshop feeling empowered and inspired, with a greater appreciation for the role of the police in their community. Overall, the workshop served as a valuable opportunity for young people to build positive relationships with the police and gain valuable insights into the practices and procedures.”
