Police in Tameside band together to buy a bed for a child in need

Officers and staff from GMP Tameside Prevention Hub have been working closely with young children to keep them out of crime and break the viscous cycle of gang recruitment by safeguarding those at risk of being lured into organised crime.

The role of Prevention Hubs across the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) force is to develop innovative approaches to prevent and reduce crime in our communities. This work is often done behind the scenes but is crucial in the team's response to policing and protecting Greater Manchester communities.

As part of this work in Tameside, a 13-year-old girl was identified as needing additional support, and her family needed some help to buy her a bed. Staff from the Prevention Hub clubbed together and raised enough money to be able to purchase a sofa bed from an auction house in Huddersfield.

This week, the team got to deliver the bed to the young girl and her family.

PC Martin Dench from Tameside’s Prevention Hub said: “We work closely with a lot of vulnerable young people, and we do our best to support them in different ways. Being able to secure this bed and see the smile on her face made our day. 

“We know that it can be difficult for families, and that’s why we have come together to do all we can to help this young girl. This is not just a one-off. Here in the Prevention Hub we work with lots of fantastic young people, empowering them build their confidence and equipping them with the tools to live a happy life.

“Working with our partners, including Tameside Social Services and our Complex Safeguarding Hub, we endeavour to offer young children and their families the security and support that they need.”