South Yorkshire Police recently organised a day to remember for over 50 children and their carers, parents and siblings from Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and The Barnsley Starlight Group, a bereavement group for children in Barnsley.

A day of activities was organised for the children by South Yorkshire Police’s Dog Training Centre to coincide with the training schedule for some of South Yorkshire Police’s latest canine recruits.

During the day, the children got involved with training exercises for some of the Force’s specialist dogs who were being trained to find items such as drugs and explosives. They also watched on as the general patrol dogs were put through their paces in agility and criminal work.

Supporting the day and engaging with the youngsters, parents and carers were PCSO’s from the Darnall, Attercliffe and Tinsley and Rother Valley South Safer Neighbourhood Teams, and, Tactical Support officers including the specialist Underwater Search team. The children were treated to a further surprise when the South Yorkshire Police helicopter came into land on its way back to its base in Sheffield.

Afterwards, Lynne Barnett Sibling and Family Support Worker for Bluebell Wood said: “The children, carers and parents from both Bluebell Wood and The Starlight Group have had a great time and a truly memorable day helping out with the police dog training and talking to the police officers and staff. Days out like this really do improve the children’s quality of life and we are thankful for South Yorkshire Police for letting us get involved.”

The South Yorkshire Police Dog Training Centre’s connection with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice started in April 2009 when two newly born Labrador pups were named Blue and Belle, after the Hospice. Blue and Belle, who make regular visits to the Hospice, are currently being cared for by police volunteers through the Force’s puppy walking scheme until they are old enough to start their initial police training.