Presenting an opportunity for police and wider public sector suppliers to support the Crucial Crew, an impactful annual social and safety awareness event dedicated to the vital education of our young people.
In June 2026, this transformative event runs over a two-week period aiming to reach 1,500 children.
Since 1992, over 35,300 children having benefitted from this event, with Crucial Crew standing as a critical pillar in preparing young individuals for the challenges of secondary school and life beyond.
The Event:
Based at the Nesscliffe Military Training Centre, and most recently held at the Flaxmill Maltings in Shrewsbury, Crucial Crew engages children in essential life skills and safety education. The event is endorsed by key professional partner agencies, including the Police and Crime Commissioner, Fire & Rescue Service, RNLI, and Shropshire Council.
This goes a long way to address vital topics such as anti-social behaviour, bullying, drugs, internet safety, water safety, and more. Young people leave equipped with knowledge and skills to navigate their formative years safely.
Impact:
Crucial Crew is designed to educate young people before the transition to secondary school—a crucial time when they become more independent but also more vulnerable.
The day utilises volunteer chaperones, primarily retired residents, promoting intergenerational engagement and fostering a sense of community responsibility. This not only strengthens connections across age groups but also empowers children to share their knowledge with peers and family members.
Recognition and Support:
The value of the day has been recognized by notable figures who participated during school years, honorary guests such as the Lord Lieutenant and local council leaders who have actively endorsed the efforts, highlighting the significance of our work and its positive impact on the community.
The Ask:
To ensure the success of the 2026 Crucial Crew, they are seeking financial sponsorship and partnership from businesses who supply into the region.
Contributions will help:
- Provide each participant with a goodie bag filled with educational materials and a workbook to reinforce their learning.
- Supply event t-shirts that foster pride and a sense of belonging among participants.
- Support logistical needs for running an event of this scale over two weeks.
West Mercia's business suppliers and contract social value can collaborate with Crucial Crew...
Through the creation of the DICM (West Mercia) social value marketplace the region's business suppliers to emergency services, councils, NHS and criminal justice services are able to forge impact collaborations with Crucial Crew, to maintain the annual event and support hundreds more West Mercia young people.