3.06 AM Sunday 26 May 2013

Teenage Award Scheme

'Teenage Award Scheme’ allows members of the public, as well as Dorset police staff and officers, to nominate teenagers who they feel have done a good deed that the teenager deserves recognition for.

These good deeds may include helping others, doing something special for charity, performing an act of bravery, or doing something that benefits the local community.

Anyone between 13 and 19 years of age can be nominated for an award, and the nomination process couldn’t be easier.

To nominate a teenager, simply email teenageawardscheme@dorset.pnn.police.uk with the teenager’s name, contact details, age, address and details of the good deed that they are being nominated for – along with the nominator’s contact details.

Successful nominees will be presented with a certificate from Dorset Police as a sign of the Force’s recognition and appreciation of the teenager’s act.

One overall award winner will be chosen from all of the year’s successful nominees, with this winner receiving a special award from the Chief Constable at the Force’s annual award ceremony.

PC Tony Dunkerley, from Poole Town and Oakdale Safer Neighbourhood Team, came up with the idea of creating the Teenage Award Scheme. He said: “It’s really important that we acknowledge the good things teenagers do in our communities.

“So often we hear stories about teenagers doing bad things through the national media, and it’s easy for people to believe that all teenagers must be bad.

“The reality is very different. Teenagers do so many good things and bring so many positives to our communities. I hope this new award scheme will help to bring praise and credit to youngsters that deserve it.”

Helen Brittain, Head of Youth Development, is based at Dorset Police Force HQ in Winfrith. She said: “The Teenage Award Scheme provides us with a great opportunity to recognise teenagers who have done something special.

“I’d encourage the public to nominate teenagers that they feel have done good deeds worthy of receiving recognition so that we can make sure that they get the praise they deserve.”