PCYC funded for crime prevention

Umina PCYC has been awarded a $7950 community grant from NRMA Insurance towards crime prevention initiatives for young people on the Peninsula.

The grant will help run two projects including an eight-week program for young males and a separate program for young females.

Central Coast NRMA Insurance spokesperson Ms Leonie Milgate said the Community Grants program was designed to assist local community groups in building safer communities.

"Each year we encourage community organisations that fit the criteria to apply and it's fantastic to see Umina Beach PCYC be successful this year," Ms Milgate said.

"The Community Grants program provides NRMA Insurance with an opportunity to work closely with communities to address local issues and we're proud to support organisations that work to make their community safer."

The Survivor program for young males will provide a variety of challenging recreational activities, accompanied by a series of targeted crime prevention workshops to address issues that contribute to youth crime.

Meanwhile the young women's program is designed for young females from the local area who have or are at risk of coming to the attention of Juvenile Justice.

This program will provide a variety of activities accompanied by a series of targeted crime prevention workshops to address issues that contribute to youth crime.

Umina Beach PCYC senior constable Paul Scollon said the program would also include a rewards point system to encourage participation.

"We will utilise a reward points system during the program such as points for positive behaviour such as attending school regularly, no offences committed and no police contact, and points deducted for negative behaviour," Senior Constable Scollon said.

"If sufficient points are gained, then those that have attained those points will be able to participate in the rewards-based activities that will be incorporated into program."

The two programs are expected to commence early next year.

Press release, 30 Aug 2010 Tracy Woodley, NRMA Insurance