Edinburgh's longest serving Special Constable tells us about her role supporting Police Scotland Youth Volunteers

Special Constables (SC's) make a vital contribution to policing in Scotland and as well as fulfilling her role as Edinburgh's longest serving SC, Lily is also the Deputy Coordinator of the Edinburgh South group of Police Scotland's Youth Volunteers. Here are Lily's thoughts on the role and the young people she supports:

'The greatest gift you can give to a young person is not just your time, but your belief in what they can become’ – attributed to Mackenzie Scott (American Novelist and philanthropist).

'Having spent many years in policing and always enjoying working with young people, I was delighted to get involved with PSYV. 

I started as an Adult Volunteer sharing my policing knowledge and life experience, as well as teaching practical skills such as first aid. Today, I am proud to be Deputy Coordinator for the Edinburgh South group and continue to enjoy watching our young volunteers (YV’s) grow in confidence, develop new skills and become positive role models within the community.

A typical evening training session can cover a wide range of topics, from knife crime, hate crime and underage drinking, to guest speakers, online safety, first aid, water safety and environmental awareness. We don’t simply teach these issues; we encourage the young people to openly discuss these, so they gain an understanding and make well-informed decisions, appreciating the impact crime and antisocial behaviour can have on individuals, and a local community.

Our YV’s come from many different backgrounds. PSYV isn’t about joining the police, it’s about giving young people opportunities, building confidence, developing leadership skills and making a positive impact.

It’s very rewarding to see where many of our former YV’s are now. Some have gone on to become police and prison officers, while others have pursued careers as mechanics, plumbers, shop assistants or continued into college and university. Seeing former YV’s return as Adult Volunteers is especially rewarding, as they are now inspiring the next generation.

Community engagement is at the heart of everything we do. Throughout the year we support initiatives including bike marking, hate crime awareness, underage drinking campaigns, charity fund raising and local crime prevention. If there is a rise in break-ins in an area, our YV’s help deliver crime prevention leaflets to residents, raising awareness and encouraging people to protect their homes.

We also support major events, including the Edinburgh Marathon, Race for Life, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, local fairs and Remembrance Sunday. One of my proudest moments each year is seeing our YV’s parade on Remembrance Sunday as wreath bearers, showing respect for those who served. 

Another event that has stayed with me is supporting the Missing People Scotland charity, where our YV’s help at the event and light candles in memory of missing loved ones. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and community.

One of the highlights of our year is our work with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service around Bonfire Night and heritage crime prevention. During October, our YV’s work alongside firefighters, and the Ranger Service to cut back gorse and create firebreaks on the hillside of Holyrood Park. This practical work helps reduce the risk of wildfires, protects wildlife and habitat, and improves access for firefighters should a fire occur.

PSYV make a real difference, not only to the community they serve but also to the young people themselves. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our incredible young people. They willingly give up their own time to support their community, help others and represent PSYV with enthusiasm, respect and professionalism. They are a credit to themselves, their families and the community they serve'.

Lily, thank you for everything you do, both in supporting young people and in helping to keep communities in Edinburgh safe.

And to everyone in the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland community, thank you for looking out for one another and have a wonderful weekend.