Police teams donned superhero costumes to engage with young people at a festival to promote mental health and well-being.
Officers were on hand to assist at the Positively Empowered Kids Festival 2022, held at Nottingham Racecourse on Sunday 25 September 2022.
The popular festival was packed with free activities, interactive demonstrations and tips on how to help children flourish, thrive and improve their mental well-being.
Nottinghamshire Police engaged with hundreds of young people during the day – chatting to them about the work of officers and other police staff.
Romel Davis, Nottinghamshire Police youth outreach worker, said the feedback from young people, as well as parents and carers, had been positive.
“It was a great event and everyone seemed to be having a brilliant time,” Romel said.
“Events like this are an opportunity for the force to positively engage with young people, helping to build trust and confidence in the police.
“I’d like to thank all the officers and staff who were present for their enthusiasm.”
Children had the opportunity to try their hand at tennis, archery and football, as well as get up close to nature in a forest school area.
There were also live performances from young people, a range of different stalls, including creative well-being activities and therapies, plus the opportunity to take part in a superhero cape walk.
Neighbourhood policing Inspector for City South Karl Thomas said: “Thanks to everyone involved in making this brilliant festival possible.
“Mental well-being is important for all age groups and it is great this festival is promoting its importance among our young people.
“Community engagement through events such as this is a key part of our approach and help to increase trust and confidence in the police.
“They help us to highlight the work of police officers in the community and it was great to see young people showing an interest in policing and chatting to our officers.”
Organisers of the festival, Jackie Wilson and Claire Clements, co-founders of Positively Empowered Kids CIC, said: “We are thrilled to have had such a great turnout, with two-thirds of attendees being vulnerable families.
“We would like to thank the team from Nottinghamshire Police for their valuable support and positive engagement with our young people and their families. We look forward to having you back in 2023!”
