Adam Ahmed
I’ve been part of the Youth Commission since the first year. Seeing where we were then , to where we are now, excites me even more. The Youth Commission has been a great experience, in terms of meeting and talking to people who I ordinarily would not interact with. This has allowed me to represent the young people of this city.
During my time volunteering with the Youth Commission I’ve also gained personal skills which have helped me and which I’ve utlised in my everyday life. I have recently become a Special Constable as a result.
Youth Commission members come from all walks of life and meeting all these new people enables you to learn new things. They are also extremely passionate about what they do. I would advise everyone to get involved, whether it’s volunteering as a Youth Commission member or inviting us to your organisation to do one or two workshops as this will not only benefit us, but it will truly benefit you!
Detchema Baptiste
In 2013, I attended the first Youth Commission conference and left inspired by how proactive
they were in changing policing concerning young people. As a result of this, I joined in 2014 as I wanted to be
a part of that change.
During my year on the commission I had many new experiences; from being interviewed on the radio, talking about how influential the youth commission can be for our generation, to sitting on the Youth Police Advisory Group
discussing current issues that we as young people have
been faced with in our communities.
I had also ran many workshops on the 6 focus issues, in particular domestic violence and Child Sexual Exploitation,
which received such touching responses that enabled me to present my findings strongly, which was definitely a highlight.
Through the Youth Commission I have developed both personal and professional skills that I will take into
studying at university level, within employment and enabling me to have the confidence to continue promoting positive change in my community.
I also hope that the Youth Commission has a lasting effect on all those young people I and the rest of my team have been fortunate to interact with, due to us all being given the platform to express our opinions and ideas on aid to change our futures.”
Calum Loades
I joined the Youth Commission in its pioneering first year and since then the work we have done and continue to do is inspirational. Working on the Youth Commission has given me a huge insight into the problems young people face with in the criminal justice system and within there own communities.
During my time on the Youth Commission I have developed my interpersonal skills which I have been able transfer into my job as a Teaching Assistant also as a Police Cadet Leader. It has also allowed me to promote work that the Crime Commissioner and Police do with and for young people.
I have had many great opportunities that I wouldn’t normally have such as being interviewed on radio, meeting with senior police officers about young people’s issues.
Working with our partners on our 6 priorities we have had many legacies such a the Reformed Character Qualification and the Youth Police Advisory Group.
The Youth Commission is a success due to the diversity we have in the group. We have young people doing GCSEs, young mums, students at the local universities. Working with all of these people gives the group a strong dynamic with a great sense of passion and dedication.
Megan Morley
It took me a while before I actually built up the courage to apply for the youth commission. I thought it was another group where I either wouldn't be elected or the adults would talk at us about what the police were doing. After much encouragement from friends I applied. I couldn't be happier that I did.
The youth commission has given me so many opportunities and experiences that you just cannot get without doing specific courses around policing. I don't know where else I would have been able to see the fire arms and dog unit do a stop and search on their level or be able to talk to ACC (Assistant Chief Constable) Phil Kay about what young people have to say or be invited to a talk about where the budget cuts will hit the police and have our input on behalf of young people. There are so many levels you can get involved with and the more I have put in the youth commission the more I have gotten back.
Not only do you get the best experiences, it's been experiences that have I have been able to build my CV around: I've been able to tell employees that yes I'm vetted and I've had safeguarding training too and soon I will be able to say I have a qualification in mentoring.
Being part of the youth commission is one of the most reward things that I have ever been a part of. And the biggest reward is that I am helping young people be heard.