Calderdale College and West Yorkshire Police are strengthening their partnership to educate students about police support available in the local community with the launch of a new initiative, Cuppa with a Copper.

Cuppa with a Copper offers students the opportunity to meet their local Neighbourhood Policing Team on a drop-in basis and have a chat over a brew to raise anti-social or community concerns, and learn more about the police’s role in their area.

The initiative builds on the success of Calderdale’s first dedicated Further Education Liaison Officer joining Calderdale College back in September 2023, with PC Steph Robinson, known to students as PC Steph, now spending a portion of her role providing additional support for young people enrolled at the College.

At an official launch on Friday 10 January, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime at West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Alison Lowe, attended Cuppa with a Copper to meet students who were benefitting from the service.

Cuppa with a Copper also complements the College’s Personal Development Curriculum, as students are gaining a better understanding of how police initiatives play a vital role in education by raising awareness of local safety issues and crime prevention.

David Malone, Principal and Chief Executive at Calderdale College, said: “We are committed to fostering a strong sense of community cohesion and making Calderdale College a hub for meaningful connections.

“The Cuppa with a Copper initiative is a fantastic opportunity for students, staff and local police to engage in open dialogue in an informal setting. It not only helps build trust and understanding but also supports a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone in our college community.”

Deputy Mayor Alison Lowe added: “Initiatives like Cuppa with a Copper are a fantastic way to foster positive relationships between the community and the police. 

“It is great to see how Calderdale College are engaging the students and to see what a difference it has made in making them feel safe here in West Yorkshire.”

PC Steph Robinson said: “The Cuppa with a Copper initiative at Calderdale College has been a fantastic way to build meaningful connections with students.

“It is a supportive safe space where students feel heard and understood. We’re helping to change perceptions, address concerns and create safer, more connected communities in Calderdale.”

The partnership is part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Police and Crime Plan 2024-28 that sets the direction for policing and community safety to work towards a better West Yorkshire.

You can report an incident to the police by calling 101. In an emergency, always call 999.