Metropolitan Police Croydon Borough is launching an innovative scheme called Project YOU, which stands for Youth Organisations Uniform. The project is the first in London to incorporate the following groups, Air Training Corp, Army Cadet Force, Boys Brigade, Girl Guides, Scouts, Sea Cadet Corp, St John Ambulance, Volunteer Cadet Force.

The YOU project has been set up in partnership with the many youth organisations to help prevent, divert and reduce youth crime and provides young people with a unique opportunity to join one of the many organisations and to participate in the various activities.

The project is being run by the Metropolitan Police, Croydon Borough and is the innovative idea of Sergeant Richard Curran based at Croydon Police station, who is himself a member of the Air Cadet Corp.  The project is also open to young victims of crime and bullying as it inspires self-confidence. Posters advertising the project have been distributed to schools and libraries across the Borough and the Whitgift Centre in Croydon have offered a £100 prize.

Sergeant Richard Curran Croydon Police said: "Leadership and basic management skills give the individual reward, enabling them to have a clearer view of how society rewards efforts and loyalty."

Prior to the YOU project there was no co-ordinating body encouraging young people to join such an organisation. Project YOU aims to bring all these organisations together under one umbrella.

Sergeant Richard Curran further added:  "The YOU project is about providing an outlet for the youth population in Croydon. I've witnessed potential suspects of crime turn their lives around through careful introduction of rules and innovations that encourage creativity. I've found that encouraging out of school activities from the early secondary-school years has a great, positive influence on young people. I strongly believe that this project will be a huge success and it is hoped that it will be launched across London." 
 
Superintendent Dave Stringer Partnership said: "Croydon has the largest youth population in London with over 170 schools. The You Project provides co-ordinated activities for young people to get involved in their local community. Through its schools programme, the Metropolitan Police is able to appeal to parents and young people and encourage them to join such worthwhile organisations. We can also provide additional support to victims of crime and those on the verge of offending."

Deputy Leader of Croydon Council Cllr Steve O'Connell, cabinet member for safety and cohesion said:  "Becoming involved in youth organisations such as these can have such a positive effect on young people. They can develop new skills and responsibilities that will stand them in good stead throughout their lives, learn to respect themselves and others, make new friends and have fun.
"This new initiative is an excellent way of giving our younger residents the opportunity to get involved in rewarding out-of-school activities that will help divert them from crime and from being victims of crime, and contribute to a safer Croydon for all."

Testimonials

Kevin aged 17 St John Ambulance: "I've been a member since I was nine and I?ve been to loads of different events, including the Mayor's Thames Festival, London marathon, London to Brighton bike ride football matches at Selhurst Park."

Emma aged 15 years Sanderstead Rangers  "We've only got 12 members in our Rangers Unit. Getting more would be good and I help the YOU project will help with that. We do a wide range of activities, such as day trips, personal development courses and camping, and our unit's just started communicating with similar groups in America."

Jenny aged 18 years Army Cadet Force:  "I joined late when I was dragged along by a friend. I was actually quite vulnerable. My mum wanted me to do something to give me some respect and five years down the line, I've now got purpose. Projects like YOU can only help."

Dale aged 15 years Air Training Corps:  "I went along to an open evening and I was impressed by what I saw. I've been a member for nearly three years. I get a lot out of it and we do lots of things, like flying, gliding and shooting and have lots of fun. I'm looking forward to a career in the RAF. The You project will help with recruitment and the more who are members, the more activities we can do."

Visit the YOU website