A pilot scheme is being launched in Ramsey to help young people learn about community and social issues. The first ASK Ramsey event will take place at Ramsey Town Hall on Saturday November 28 from 11am to 3pm. There will be free hot dogs and refreshments, and a chance to win some great prizes including Manx Telecom top-up vouchers. But, most importantly, the event will be an opportunity to get answers to questions about community safety, crime prevention, internet safety, and alcohol and drug issues.

The project developed after Special Constable Andy Culshaw was nominated as Community Police Officer of the Year 2015 and wanted to put something back into the community to thank Ramsey residents for their positive comments. The idea came from children and young people asking him questions as he was on the beat around the town. He says: “It’s not that there are more problems in Ramsey than anywhere else. It just occurred to me that not all children feel comfortable approaching a Police officer or any other adult, so the idea behind ASK Ramsey is to break down this barrier. The aim is to provide the northern community with a chance to come and speak or ask questions to those people involved in a wide range of areas that are not the easiest for one person to explain. The aim is to get the correct information out there by getting the experts in one place and extending an open invitation to the local community. It is aimed at families and young people, but we won’t turn anyone away. There will be private rooms if people need want to discuss things confidentially. The event is not just open to the northern community – so anyone can attend if they wish too.”

IOM Constabulary officers will be there to answer questions on community safety, crime prevention, and there will be officers present from the Road Safety Unit. You will also be able to see the laser speed detection, breathalyser and finger print equipment which officers use. There will also be information about the role of Special Constables. Manx Telecom experts will be on hand to offer advice on internet and mobile safety and security – and parents attending the event can find out about how to use parental controls on routers to control internet access.

The Youth Justice Team will answer questions about the consequences of anti-social behaviour and other criminal justice issues affecting young people, and the Youth Service will focus on sexual health and information about the risks of smoking and alcohol. Motive8 (formerly known as the Isle of Man Alcohol Advisory Service) will discuss alcohol and drugs misuse – visitors to their stand can try on ‘beer goggles’ which is a device that mimics the way in which drinking too much alcohol can affect someone’s sensory perception. The Department of Health and Social Care’s Drug and Alcohol Team will also be giving advice on these issues. The 3S (Safe, Strong, Secure) charity formed by victims of abuse will be there as part of its ongoing campaign against bullying and domestic violence, and there will be an opportunity to see the group’s video which has received lots of positive feedback online. The Northern Children and Families Team are also attending ASK Ramsey.

The free hot dogs will be provided by the Ramsey Grammar School Association, and the students from the school created a poster to promote the ASK Ramsey event after taking part in a design competition.

By giving the local community access to expert advice on issues which concern them, Special Constable Culshaw and his Constabulary colleagues believe that this proactive approach can prevent many problems before they happen. For example, in the run-up to Christmas young people may be attending parties for the first time and get into trouble by drinking alcohol simply because they don’t understand the risks this poses. If the pilot scheme in Ramsey is a success there are plans to hold similar ‘ASK’ events in other towns around the Island.

Manx Telecom has three online guides about internet and mobile safety which can be downloaded from www.manxtelecom.com/onlinesafety – and you can find advice on how to use ‘parental controls’ features on wireless routers by going to www.manxtelecom.com and searching for ‘parental controls’.

For more information about ASK Ramsey find their Facebook group page by searching for ‘ASK Ramsey drop in event 2015’ or the ‘Isle Of Man Constabulary Northern Neighbourhood Policing team’.

Photo - A poster designed by Ramsey Grammar School students Jenny Farrant and Philippa Li to promote ASK Ramsey.