[C]umbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall joined partners on Tuesday 19 December, to hear what the Cumbria Youth Commission (CYC) has learned during their first year, and what their recommendations are.
CYC was established by Young Cumbria following funding by Peter McCall in April 2017, to address one of his key priorities of giving the youth of Cumbria a voice. CYC will enable young people aged 14-25 to inform decisions about policing and crime prevention in Cumbria, working in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner and Cumbria Police.
Speaking about the event Peter McCall said: “I was really impressed by what I heard from the Youth Commissioners. They delivered a thoroughly professional presentation of their findings, and their passion to want to make a difference really shone through. It is so important that we involve young people when developing policy and making decisions about policing services, so that their needs are considered.
“Yesterday, we heard some great, innovative ideas which make so much sense, in terms of helping to improve engagement and break down barriers between young people and the police and other public authorities and agencies. I am sure I speak on behalf of the many partners present, that there are many ideas which can be taken forward, and indeed, pledges were made across the board to look at implementing these.
“It is very important that we listen to young people in the county, they have a real role in helping to keep themselves and the county safe. I am keen that the next step is to take action to implement some of the excellent idea.”
Ian Alcock, Project Worker at Young Cumbria said: “It was wonderful to see all the Youth Commissioners’ hard work culminate in such a successful event. The presentation represents a years’ research and a true young-person centered view on issues that are important to them. The Commission as a whole are really looking forward to making good on their recommendations and working closely with Peter McCall, the Police and other organisations over the next year.
“All the work has been led, developed and designed by the young people involved and that in itself speaks volumes for their commitment, drive and determination, we’re all very excited to see what fantastic work they undertake in the future.”
Their Report will be published early in the New Year.
