STUDENT police officers undergo a two-day training course at the Relationships Centre to ensure the public get the most help available.

Suzanne Rimmer and Matthew Lagar spent time at The Gateway-based charity last month learning how the police work with other agencies to provide a more effective service.

The sessions involved observing a family support meeting and understanding the help offered by the charity through the Talk Don’t Walk programme, for young people who have run away.

They also learned how to approach victims of domestic violence and other abuse.

Suzanne said the course was really valuable and she learned to always put down as much information as possible in her notes, so that tell-tale signs of people in need were not missed. Writing a wealth of information would help the individuals receive help if necessary.

Lucy Hindmarch, acting director, said: “We have worked in partnership with the police on their probationers training programme for the past five years and it’s an excellent example of how the statutory and voluntary sectors can work together. Multi-agency working is crucial to ensure our mutual client group receive the best possible service.”

Help the Relationships Centre’s on-going campaign to raise funds for a Life Skills Academy, which will offer young people a safe place, provide help and offer support to deal with the reasons why they ran away.

A team from the charity will be running the English Half Marathon in October. Anyone who wants to join the team or who can offer their expertise should contact Lucy on 246910.