Graduation success for Kilcooley Women’s Centre

I was delighted yesterday morning to have been invited by Kilcooley Women's Centre to attend their 17th annual graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievement of learners.

Receiving certificates were dozens of women, and a few men, who had taken up the challenge of developing their skills and knowledge through further learning.  It was a diverse group of all ages and backgrounds and many of them had overcome significant personal challenges and demonstrated a sheer determination to do something that many would simply think too difficult.  The was a real sense of achievement as the ladies and gentlemen came forward to receive certificates ranging  from make-up to crafts, computers to maths, GCSE  English and Psychology and British/Irish History to Peace and Reconciliation.  I had the pleasure of chatting with many of the recipients afterwards and want again to add my sincere congratulations to every one of them.

It was very clear to me the fantastic support which the centre is providing to the local community.  People who see the potential in everyone regardless of who they are or where they have come from - it was truly inspiring to see so many people working together not just to develop individuals but for the greater good of their local community.

I understand that there are around 250 women enrolled in educational classes and some of those who have participated have literally been handed a lifeline and an opportunity to turn their lives around.  The centre is literally 'bringing education to the heart of the community.'

I was also pleased to see the local Neighbourhood Police Officers in attendance and this was further evidence of how important it is for the police to work with and in the local community and for the local community to work with the police. 

Personal policing in Foyle

I spent yesterday out and about in Derry/Londonderry.

In the morning I joined the Policing Board Vice-Chair, Gearóid Ó hEára for a walk about in the City and had the opportunity to meet with a number of community workers and visit several community centres.

I also had the chance to speak to some of those people who are working along with local police on the ground in an effort to challenge and reduce paramilitary assaults and shootings. The vast majority of people across the City are quite rightly appalled at the level of these attacks and the callous and barbaric nature of them.

The Police Service have also recently launched a campaign which includes a full review of all investigative leads, a co-ordinated approach with Crime Operations and District policing to disrupt the activities of those believed to be involved in this criminality and we are renewing our appeal for public assistance through the social media platform.

You can find out more about this at http://www.psni.police.uk/index/updates/safer_communities.htm

In the afternoon I had the opportunity to meet with officers who were targeted last week in a bomb attack. I was greatly encouraged by their resilience and determination to continue to serve the local community and tackle local crime. Their desire to do so has in no way been diminished by the cowardly acts of those who attempted to murder them.

I then went on a beat patrol in the City Centre with the District Commander, Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin and members of the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, before calling into St. Columb’s Cathedral to visit the Dean, the Very Reverend William Morton.

I always enjoy visiting the Maiden City. There is a real buzz and optimism about it, making it very difficult to understand why a small number of people would wish to terrorise the local community, when the vast majority of people have so clearly indicated their desire to live in peace.

Despite the negative headlines of the past few weeks, it is very clear that this is a City that wants to move forward and not focus on the past. Your Police Service is determined to play our part in helping the City to do this.

With the full support of everyone, local police will continue to ensure that the community receives the very best personal, professional and protective policing we can provide, so Derry can become a City of Hope for a brighter future for all.

Firefighters graduate

Yesterday afternoon I was delighted to accept an invitation from Chief Fire Officer, Peter Craig, to attend the graduation of 36 Firefighters at their training college in South Belfast.

As this was one of Peter’s last formal engagements before he retires, after 36 years of public service, it would be remiss of me not to pass on my personal thanks, and those of the Police Service, to Peter for his support to us over many years. I wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Thirty Six men and women were celebrating the completion of their initial training before joining their new colleagues at their fire stations across Northern Ireland. I joined their very proud family members and friends as they demonstrated the skills which they had been taught over the past 18 weeks with a number of practical displays.

I admire each of them for their determination and desire to serve all the people of Northern Ireland and like police officers, they will be called upon to engage with danger as others make their way to safety.

We work very closely with our friends in the Fire and Rescue Service and the other blue light responders. We are looking forward to strengthening that relationship over the next few years as we prepare to begin the construction of the new Community Safety Services College at Desertcreat in Cookstown. This exciting venture will see police officers, firefighters and prison officers train under one roof.

Next summer we will also welcome the World Police & Fire Games to Belfast. This is the third largest sporting event in the world with a potential of 10,000 competitors and a further 15,000 accompanying visitors. And the Police Service, Fire and Rescue Service and Prison Service look forward to welcoming our colleagues from across the globe to Northern Ireland.

But as these new firefighters make their way to their new postings, I wish each of them a long, very enjoyable and safe career. I encourage you to give them your full support, listen to the important advice they give and make sure that when they are responding to calls to keep us all safe, that they can do so free from intimidation and confrontation.