A FORUM that allows young people in Surrey to have their say on the crime and policing issues that affect them most is recruiting new members.
The Surrey Youth Commission, now in its second year, is opening applications to people aged between 14 and 25.
The project is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey and overseen by Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson.
New Youth Commissioners will have an opportunity to shape the future of crime prevention in the county by creating a series of priorities for both Surrey Police and the Commissioner’s office.
New Youth Commissioners will have an opportunity to shape the future of crime prevention in the county by creating a series of priorities for both Surrey Police and the Commissioner’s office. They will consult with peers and meet with senior police officers before presenting their recommendations at a public ‘Big Conversation’ conference in September next year.
Last year, Youth Commissioners asked more than 1,400 young people for their opinions ahead of the conference.
Applications open
Ellie, who has responsibility for children and young people in her remit, said: “I’m so proud to announce that the fantastic work done by our first-ever Surrey Youth Commission will continue into 2023/24, and I look forward to welcoming the new cohort in early November.
“Members of the initial Youth Commission achieved true excellence with their carefully-considered recommendations, many of which intersected with those already identified by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend.
“Reducing violence against women and girls, further education around mental health and substance misuse, and strengthening the relationships between communities and police are among the big priorities for our young people.
“We will continue to work towards addressing each of these issues, as well as those chosen by the Youth Commissioners who will join us in the weeks to come.
“Fantastic work”
“Lisa and I decided two years ago that a forum was needed to amplify the voices of young people in this county in an effort to shape the future of policing.
“In order to achieve this, we commissioned experts at Leaders Unlocked to put youth voice at the heart of what we do.
“The results of that work have been illuminating and insightful, and I’m thrilled to extend the programme for a second year.”
Click the button for more information, or to apply:
Applications must be submitted by October 27.
The Deputy Commissioner has signed a pledge to act on the Surrey Youth Commission’s recommendations