Op Summer Challenge: The Results

During summer 2023 we, in partnership with North Wales Fire & Rescue Service, RNLI and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) set a challenge - #OpSummerChallenge2023

We called on schools, colleges, youth groups and clubs to come up with innovated ideas which will keep people safe or benefit people and places in their community. It could involve looking at neglected spaces to help prevent fires, promoting the safe use of paddle boards and the wearing of personal floatation devices or campaigning for youth facilities in their local area.

The winners were Ysgol Llanfawr Mini Police in Holyhead.

This group worked over the summer weeks on three areas to help in their community. Prior to starting their project, they spoke with two local councillors to identify the priorities in Holyhead that they could help with. The group conducted regular litter picking patrols in Morawelon to improve the area by making it cleaner and safer.

They also went on regular visits to elderly residents in the local community centre and discussed ways to make them feel safer.

Finally, the group created some painted rocks with colours and messages which they placed in carefully selected places to make people feel happier. The group say that they have learnt a lot by doing their project including respecting their community spaces more and keeping them clean, realising that people may be sad and lonely and they can help people feel better.

 

The close runners up were Bitesize Theatre Company from Wrexham

This group also did a litter pick in their local playing fields. They included the local community in their efforts and posted invites on social media for people to join in.

They refilled the bags every two weeks in the new dog poo dispensers that they have had the council install. They’ve also done role plays and educational classes in the youth theatre to raise awareness of community issues.

 

Sergeant Beth Jones from the Prevention Hub said "It’s been a pleasure to see the entries for this year's Big Summer Challenge and the amazing work that our entrants have achieved in their communities. We will be running the competition again next year for anyone who missed out this time but would like to enter. I would also like to thank our partners in this project; North Wales Fire & Rescue Service, RNLI and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT).”

We received so many fantastic entries with such innovative ideas to help communities across North Wales and we’d like to thank everyone who took part and supported throughout the competition.