Police and college link-up a success
A partnership between a Shropshire specialist college and a town's police team is proving a success, organisers have said.
For the past 12 months, Llangollen-based officers have been helping students at Derwen College, near Gobowen, learn about their role.
In return, police have gained a greater understanding of issues facing young people with learning disabilities and difficulties.
Four officers, including Inspector Siobhan Edwards and Sergeant Paul Hughes, made a reciprocal visit to the college where they met tutors and the students – some of whom have cerebral palsy, autism, Down's syndrome. Sergeant Hughes said: "The partnership has broadened our knowledge immensely.
"We've been able to put ourselves in the position of the young adults, and try to see things from their perspective.
"This has allowed us to fully appreciate the difficulties they may face when communication is often difficult for them.
"In addition, we have also learnt more about how to recognise certain disabilities and the characteristics that may be displayed."
Teacher Sarah Laszlo said: "We are delighted here at Derwen that the reciprocal partnership between the college and the officers based in Llangollen has been, and continues to be, so successful.
"The opportunity to carry out mutually beneficial awareness-building exercises has been invaluable and has gone a long way towards addressing any perceived barriers between the two groups."
