Safe in Tees Valley News
Young Peoples Chance To Help Shape Policing Future
A major project to ensure that the needs and concerns of young people will be taken into account by Cleveland’s first Police and Crime Commissioner has been launched with backing from the Police Authority and Safe in Tees Valley.
Already work is underway on gaining the views of young people in preparation for a ‘youth hustings’ for the PCC candidates in the run-up to the election on November 15th. The project will also see the setting up of a Young People’s Forum which will work with both the Commissioner and Force.
Says Sarah Wilson, Consultation, Communications and Community Support Officer with Cleveland Police Authority “Although those under 18 may not be eligible to vote on November 15th, the Commissioner will be taking decisions which will affect their lives along with all sections of the community.
“Commissioners will have a duty to listen to the concerns of the public and, working with Safe in Tees Valley, we hope that the voices of young people can be heard both during the election campaign and once the PCC takes office.”
Safe in Tees Valley will train National Citizen Service graduates, who make up the Young People's Forum, as 'Community Reporters' to enable them to use a range of multi-media, including social media, music and arts, to consult with their peers across local communities, schools, colleges, and young people's services. Throughout September young people from across Cleveland will deliver a road-show to reachout to their peers using Safe in Tees Valley's purpose designed OnRoute 'Media' and 'Voice' buses.
The Young People's Forum has designed a Young People's Police and Crime Survey and invite young people aged 10-17 years who live and spend time in Cleveland to 'have their say' and enter a prize draw. The Young People’s Police and Crime Survey is now live on http://www.facebook.com/pages/Safe-in-Tees-Valley/201431109869518
The Forum is also hosting a Youth Hustings--an opportunity to meet, hear from and question PCC candidates. The Hustings will take place on Tuesday 6th November @ 6-9.00p.m. at myplace Middlesbrough; myplace members will deliver fun activities after the event. Register to attend the Youth Hustings on the above link or call Laura on 0845 271 3883.
John Bentley, Chief Executive of Safe in Tees Valley comments: ‘The response from the young people has been very encouraging, and they clearly welcome the opportunity to influence the future of policing in the Cleveland Police area’
6-9-12
NOTE FOR EDITORS: For more information/ photo opportunity please contact: Lorraine McConnell, Development Manager, Safe in Tees Valley lorraine.mcconnell@safeinteesvalley.org, telephone 0845 271 3883, or Peter Dodson, telephone 07753 910536