Breaking Down The Barriers Between Young And Old in Podsmead
Written by Shaun Moore on April 17, 2010
Officers from the Gloucester South Safer Community Team have taken part in a Nintendo Wii afternoon designed to break down barriers between young and old residents in Podsmead.
The event, which was hosted by Brett Cowley from Gloucester City Homes and Halford House Residential Care Home in Masefield Road, was organised to bring different age groups in the community together and to help reduce the fear of crime.
The elderly residents were joined by PC Lucie Koeltgen, PCSOs Samantha Knowles, Lee Hutton and Sylvia Lane and a group of youths from the Podsmead Youth Pod on Thursday April 15.
During the afternoon, the group played bowls and tennis on the wii. They also sat down together for some food provided by Gloucester City Homes and a cake made by PC Koeltgen.
PCSO Sylvia Lane said: “This event was organised to get residents from two age groups in our community together who may not normally have the chance to speak to each other.
“Because of the differences in ages and the lack of contact between the two generations, people sometimes have perceptions of youths and elderly people which are not necessarily true.
“For example, groups of young people are often intimidating to older people. We hope that by getting them together, it will help bridge the generation gap.
“As a Safer Neighbourhood Team we want to work with all parts of our community to make people feel safe and getting different groups together in a fun environment where they can talk to each other will hopefully help achieve this.”
To find out more about Neighbourhood Policing and your local Safer Community Team, please visit the Neighbourhood Policing section of the Gloucestershire Constabulary website at http://www.gloucestershire.police.uk
