Gloucestershire PCSO recognised for helping youths stay away from life of crime

Trevor May helps run a programme to provide education and employment opportunities

PCSO Trevor May helps engage kids at risk of criminal activity access employment opportunities
Author: Isabel KimbreyPublished 26th Nov 2020

PCSO Trevor May has received the joint Stagecoach West Community Hero award as part of Stagecoach's 40th anniversary celebration.

He's part of Gloucestershire Constabulary's Hard Reduction team and helps run the Aston Project.

It helps identify young people aged between 9 to 17-years-old who engage in nuisance behaviour and connect them with resources and activities within the local community to prevent them being drawn into a life of crime.

The project was set up in September 2011 in memory of former office Lynn Aston who passed away after being diagnosed with cancer.

Lynn gathered the help of partners and communities to work together to reduce harm, crime and anti-social behaviour by inspiring young people to meet their potential.

Over the years the project has evolved and now helps disadvantaged youngsters and young carers access opportunities they may not otherwise be able to.

In his role with the Aston Project, Trevor helps organise opportunities such as gardening, sport, character or team building activities and vocational workshops which help young people work towards employment, volunteering or doing a work placement.

When asked about how it felt to be nominated and awarded as a winner Trevor said: "This award came totally unexpected as I didn't even know that I had been nominated.

"I am both honoured and embarrassed in equal measure to be named joint Stagecoach Community Hero for Stagecoach West.

"I help people strive to become the best versions of themselves"

"I would like to thank the family who nominated me for the work I do on the Aston Project and the public who voted for me, however in my eyes the young people I work with are the real heroes.

"I work to support them and their families and give them guidance but ultimately they are striving to become the best version of themselves."

Inspector Sarah Blake from the Community Harm Reduction team praised Trevor’s work saying: "Trevor’s commitment to his role is outstanding and a community award is the ultimate testament to all of the hard work and dedication he puts in to each and every one of the young people that he works with.

"We are all very proud of Trevor and the work he does to support the Aston Project and the Constabulary’s aims of keeping people safe. He is a great advocate for the Constabulary and I am pleased to have him on my team."