Police Youth Volunteers tackle challenges at naval facility

A group of young Police Scotland youth volunteers took part in a weekend residential course focused on leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving at HMS Caledonia in Rosyth, according to a press release.

Fifty-eight youth volunteers arrived at the naval base on 11 April for two days of hands-on training alongside personnel from the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The course aimed to build confidence and resilience through a series of structured challenges inspired by the participants’ own development goals.

Exercises included transporting critical supplies using limited equipment, evacuating a simulated casualty over obstacles, and navigating an obstacle course while visually impaired by fogged face masks, relying on teamwork to complete the tasks.

“Our youth volunteers are a meaningful conduit between the police and young people,” said Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond in the press release. “They are learning fundamental leadership and communication skills, improving their confidence and understanding of effective teamwork.”

Bond described the weekend as “a tangible example of how Police Scotland is helping develop our young volunteers into role models and leaders of the future,” thanking defence and fire service partners for their contributions.

The Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) programme involves over 600 young people across Scotland, supported by more than 200 adult volunteers. It promotes good citizenship, strengthens community relationships, and offers a platform for young people to be heard.

The 58 youth volunteers who completed the course were presented with certificates by ACC Bond and Fife’s Lord Provost, Councillor Jim Leishman MBE.