Bluelight shines
CARALISE MOORE
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AN alcohol harm prevention programme run by the Hibsicus Coast Bluelight organisation could be extended to at least four other city and town centres after gaining national acclaim.
The scheme is co-ordinated by police officer Mark Veale and aims to identify young future leaders in Rodney.
The national executive of police has just recognised it as the Most Outstaning Bluelight Initiative in the country.
"It was pretty awesome to be recognised with that award," Mark says.
New Zealand Blue Light is a registered charity and community youth programme and policing scheme that runs programmes and activities aimed at stamping out violence, drug and alcohol abuse.
The award was presented during a national conference in Wellington where 74 branches were represented.
Orewa police held a surprise celebration for the occasion last Thursday.
The Alcohol Harm Minimisation Project has been running in Rodney for the past nine months.
The programme provides participants with key leadership skills and strong education around positive choices around alcohol.
"We are taking young influential kids and giving them some skills around what a good leader should display, and positive alcohol messages," Mark says.
"At a national level we've applied for funding to the Ministry of Justice to run it in Tauranga, Turangi, Christchurch, Wellington and again in Rodney."
Funding for the project was received from ACC and strongly supported by the Rodney police.
"Sergeant David Wright from Orewa police had a strong belief in providing leadership skills to young people who have the right manner to be great leaders of our community – he has been of great assistance," Mark says.
North Blue Light also came away with an award.
Wellsford police officer Shane Gould was recognised as Patron of the Year for his outstanding service.
He was given a pass to spend a day heli-fishing with Bluelight's patron Graeme Sinclair from Carters Gone Fishing programme as part of the award.
"Bluelight is focused on building stronger relationships between young people, their families, the community and police.
"It provides safe events for young people free from drugs, alcohol and violence," Mark says.
Hibiscus Coast Bluelight thanks supporters, including Rodney police, ACC, Hiway Stabilizers, Lions and the Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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