Primary school pupils from Blackwood have been getting creative making festive decorations for a centre for victims of crime.
Pupils from Libanus Primary School in Blackwood joined Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Jeff Cuthbert, on Wednesday December 14 to hang their crafted decorations on the Christmas tree in the Connect Gwent victim hub.
The children also had the opportunity to meet local police officers at Blackwood station, got behind the wheel of a patrol car, and were also shown where people who break the law are likely to end up this Christmas.
The visit was organised by the charity, Embrace, one of the referral agencies based at the victim’s hub which supports children and young people who are victims of crime.
Sarika Kerai, the Young Victims Services Officer for Embrace, worked with Libanus Primary School pupils to make the Christmas decorations. Each pupil also inserted their own messages of hope inside a bauble.
Mia Edwards, aged ten, said: “My message was that I hope that all the children and their families in the world who don’t have a home find somewhere safe.”
Sarika Kerai, from Embrace, said: “We wanted to get the children here to explain to them what we do and to provide them with the opportunity to write messages of hope to people who are less fortunate than themselves.
“It’s about highlighting that there is support for children and young people who unfortunately become victims of crime or bullying.”
Gwent PCC, Jeff Cuthbert, added: “One of my police and crime priorities for Gwent is to provide excellent support for all victims of crime with a particular focus on preventing further serious harm. This includes safeguarding some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our communities.
“For children and young people who have been badly affected by crime, Christmas can often be a very traumatic and unhappy time. This is why it is important to have the expertise of essential services such as Embrace who are based at Connect Gwent.
“The staff who work for Embrace have the skills and experience necessary to help young victims of crime to cope and recover.”
