Knife crime and mental health will be top of the agenda as the Staffordshire Youth Commission welcomes 25 new members for 2018.
Established and funded by Matthew Ellis, the Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, the Commission sought new applicants, between the ages of 14-25, following a successful first year.
And now, with the second year in full swing, the new recruits will join 10 existing members with a view to making a difference to youth issues, being involved in policing and having a say about how crime is tackled.
The members come from a hugely diverse group of organisations across Staffordshire, including the Prince’s Trust, YMCA, Youth Offending Team, Children in Care, schools, colleges and universities.
Following an inaugural meeting last month, attended by Mr Ellis, the group are due to meet again in early January to discuss key priority topics for 2018 – with knife crime and mental health to be the first items on the agenda.
The full list of topics for this year include:
- Knife crime
- Mental Health
- CSE and Abusive relationships
- Hate Crime and Exclusion
- Community Breakdown
Matthew Ellis said: ‘It’s important the needs, concerns and the voices of youngsters are serviced by young people themselves.
‘I didn’t do enough to engage with young people in the Youth Commission’s first year but intend to step up my involvement with the group during 2018 and beyond.
‘The first year was both rewarding and exciting for our young members. And, having met our new intake, I have every confidence the Youth Commission will continue to prosper and grow.’
Rose Dowling – director of Leaders Unlocked, which runs the Youth Commission on the PCC’s behalf – is looking forward to welcoming new members.
‘I was hugely impressed with the motivation and creativity of the Staffordshire Youth Commissioners – they are determined to change things for the better this year and have taken on some difficult and important topics to address.
‘With the support of the PCC I am confident this team will make a real difference to other young people across Staffordshire.’
