Calderdale College and West Yorkshire Police are celebrating after their innovative partnership, Cuppa with a Copper, was named Inspirational Project of the Year at a national awards ceremony.
Bringing students together with local neighbourhood police officers in an informal, drop-in setting, the initiative has been praised for its positive impact on student wellbeing, safety awareness and community relationships.
Central to its success is the collaboration between the College’s Head of Student Experience and Wellbeing, Carol Petropoulos, and Further Education Liaison Officer, PC Steph Robinson, who have created a welcoming environment where students feel able to engage openly with local policing teams.
It offers students the opportunity to meet their local Neighbourhood Policing Team over a brew, ask questions, raise concerns and gain a better understanding of policing in their community.
As the initiative has grown, it has expanded to include a range of partner organisations through Cuppa with a Copper and Guests, giving students access to wider support services including mental health, emergency services and community safety resources, with partners such as Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Branching Out, and Calderdale Youth Justice Service.
The award was presented at the National Association for Managers of Student Services Awards, which recognises excellence and innovation in student services across the education sector.
David Malone, Principal and Chief Executive at Calderdale College, said: “The Cuppa with a Copper initiative is helping to break down barriers and build trust in a relaxed and welcoming environment for our students. I am immensely proud of the dedication shown by Carol and PC Steph in creating a space where students feel safe, supported and heard. This national recognition is thoroughly deserved!”
Halifax Neighbourhood Policing Inspector James Graham, of Calderdale District Police, added: “Steph’s work with Calderdale College has created a safe and welcoming space where students feel comfortable talking openly with police officers, asking questions, and raising concerns. We are proud of what she has achieved, and the strong relationships she has built with students have given us valuable opportunities to promote crime prevention, raise awareness of local safety issues and ensure young people know where to turn to for support.
“This national award is well‑deserved recognition of the positive impact her dedication and partnership working continue to have on students and the wider community.”
Alison Lowe OBE, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “Initiatives like Cuppa with a Copper are a fantastic way to foster positive relationships between the community and the police.
“It was great to visit Calderdale College to see how engaged the students are and hear what a difference it has made in making them feel safe here in West Yorkshire.”
The initiative’s impact has been reflected in increased student confidence and engagement, with more young people feeling able to report concerns and access support when they need it.
Calderdale College student, Eliza, said: “Cuppa with a Copper supported me in college when I had to report an incident that happened out of college with a few other students. I was supported through the whole process from reporting and giving a statement in court.
“PC Steph was really helpful as she attended this with us and interacted with our parents to reassure them. If I didn’t have access to this I may have never spoke out and reported it so I am grateful for cuppa with a copper.’’
The partnership supports the Police and Crime Plan 2024–2028, reinforcing a shared commitment to safer, stronger communities across West Yorkshire.
You can report an incident to the police by calling 101. In an emergency, always call 999.
