The second annual Youth Commission conference, which was held at Leicestershire Police Headquarters in Enderby, was a resounding success.
The Youth Commission was launched by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Sir Clive Loader, in 2013, to improve the relationship between young people and the police. Yesterday (Wednesday 11 March) it held its second annual conference enabling young people to have a voice and an opportunity to influence how local officers tackle issues that are important to them.
The commission is made up of 25 young people, between the ages of 14 and 25. More than 150 delegates came to the conference to discuss six main issues and provide recommendations to help combat these problems.
- Respect and Communication between Young People and the Police
- Cyber Bullying and Social Media
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse
- Missing from Home and Child Sexual Exploitation
- Reducing Offending and Re-Offending
- Domestic Violence.
The members gave feedback from the ‘Big Conversation’ they have had with 1800 young people from Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. It was emphasised that the six focus areas were the most current and major issues affecting young people and recommendations were put forward on how the Youth Commission could work together with professionals to combat these priorities.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Sir Clive Loader, said; “It was great to see young people discussing issues they are passionate about.
“We received positive feedback from a number of guests, so I am really looking forward to working with the Youth Commission and various stakeholders to develop the recommendations that were put forward during the conference.”
A video has been released to raise awareness of Leicestershire’s Youth Commission amongst the community and what Sir Clive and Youth Commission members aim to achieve. The video is encouraging young people to take part in the ‘Big Conversation’ and join the Youth Commission to voice opinions, feedback and ideas to reduce crime in relation to young people.
Head of Policy and Strategy Suzanne Houlihan, who is managing on the Youth Commission, said; “The video is a brilliant way of explaining what the Youth Commission is about. We hope the video will gain interest not only from young people but also from stakeholders within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to support us in combating issues relating to the six priorities.
Chief Constable Simon Cole, who attended yesterday’s conference, said; “The conference was a great way for everyone getting together to gain insight from young people of the current issues that are happening within that generation.
“I look forward to working with Sir Clive Loader and the Youth Commission to develop ways within our policing to combat issues within the six areas and develop our engagement with young people”
View more about the Youth Commission here
Posted on Monday 9th May 2016