South Wales Police Authority

 

 

These young people help to embed a ‘can do’ attitude in their peers.  They are a credit to all young people across the Merthyr area and are excellent ambassadors and role models to others.

 

Karl Edwards volunteers approximately 40 hours each week within the Caerau community, in Maesteg.  He volunteers with the Caerau Development Trust, where he goes above and beyond to help support the community facility. 

 

He also assists with the local OAP groups in supporting them when setting up their daily sessions of community activities.

 

Terry Lewis has been involved in Neighbourhood Watch for the past 22 years in various capacities.  Along with being the Co-ordinator of his own Watch in Llandaff, he has been Secretary of Cardiff West Neighbourhood Watch Association for the past 14 years, and is the backbone of the Association.

 

Terry is involved in these activities almost every day, either manning the phone in the Neighbourhood Watch office, or working from home.  He is a dedicated volunteer working to keep the streets of the 22 wards covered safe.

 

Alan Rolls volunteers as a Special Constable within Merthyr Town Centre.  He provides a regular, visible policing presence to help reassure the public.  His presence within the town centre helps to provide a better environment for all, and acts as a deterrent.

 

Alan is always willing to lend an ear and will go the extra mile to aid wherever possible.  He offers excellent guidance, is always available for a chat and has a reassuring manner when dealing with the public and traders.

 

 

Peter Knowles has been involved in setting up the Cwmavon Residents Action Committee (CRAC), and is Chair of the group.  His voluntary work includes helping every month at a local youth disco, and engaging with the young people of Cwmavon; being a driving force behind the regeneration of a cycle route between Aberavon Beach and the Upper Afan Valley; and being involved in litter picks through the local area.

 

All of the activities Peter is involved in or organised have a direct link to the safety and well being of the residents of Cwmavon.  A lot of his work is targeted at young people, which helps to reduce anti-social behaviour and disorder.

 

 

Myra Davies has been involved in Neighbourhood Watch, crime prevention and community safety groups in the Mountain Ash area for many years.  She runs three groups, which include the Miskin Crime, Safety and Prevention Group.  Her work has included applying for local funding to get an additional police car for the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, and making sure drug information boards are up to date.

 

Myra also works with young people in the area, to engage with them and break down barriers.  She successfully sources funds to enable around 20 young people to attend a residential course to work on an action plan which considered the current PACT priorities in the area.

 

 

Phillip Rogers is a pillar of the Blaenymaes community in Swansea.  Through his energetic and selfless acts of kindness, he has raised community spirit, and helped to reduce the effects of poverty and social disadvantage for many families in one of the most deprived areas of Wales.  He runs the JR Groundforce group, which looks after community gardens in the local area.  He also organises coach trips each year for children and families who have low income.

 

Phil provides leadership and inspiration that can infectiously transform the fortunes of a troubled community.  His work has helped to mentor many young people, which has seen many of them grow to become model citizens.

 

Mitchell Allen, 18, from Merthyr Tydfil, helps to run judo clubs in the Merthyr Tydfil and Caerphilly areas.  He became involved in judo at aged five, but over the last four years, he has become more involved with the coaching and running of the club.  Over the years, he has completed over 2000 hours of voluntary work, while at the same time as doing his GCSEs and A-Levels.

 

His work helps to keep young people off the street and teaches them discipline and self-awareness, and that crime and violence doesn’t pay.  Mitch works with a range of people and age groups within the club, and also coaches those with disabilities.

 

Matthew Hallett, 18, has volunteered with the Rhydyfelin neighbourhood policing team in Rhondda Cynon Taf since August 2010.  He has carried out a number of duties which have helped the team, including making the anti-social behaviour referrals input more efficient. 

 

Matthew is an enthusiastic individual who has shown that young people do care about their communities.  

 

Dr Jill Evans has been responsible for helping to deliver an asset transfer project in the Caerau area of Maesteg.  This has seen a former primary school being taken over for community use and activities.

 

This has provided a focal point for the community, providing activities such as a youth club, workshops and dance groups.  Her voluntary contribution has led to the success of this initiative, and helps to address community safety issues.