The York and North Yorkshire Youth Commission has brought the views of more than 1,800 young people to decision-makers across the region, sharing findings from its latest Big Conversation at a conference in York last week.
Young people aged 10-25 were consulted on issues including online safety, gender violence, healthy relationships, inclusivity and discrimination, drugs and county lines, and relationships with police and fire services. The findings and recommendations were presented directly to leaders from police, fire, local authorities and partner organisations, helping shape future approaches to community safety across York and North Yorkshire.
Young people aged 10-25 were consulted on issues including online safety, gender violence, healthy relationships, inclusivity and discrimination, drugs and county lines, and relationships with police and fire services. The findings and recommendations were presented directly to leaders from police, fire, local authorities and partner organisations, helping shape future approaches to community safety across York and North Yorkshire.
Recommendations included increasing visible patrols and supervision in public spaces, around schools and in the night-time economy; creating more accessible and inclusive spaces for young people, alongside joined-up support for young victims of crime; and raising awareness of how to report online crime and access support for online harms.
The conference gave Youth Commission members the opportunity to present the findings of their peer-led research and recommendations directly to organisations responsible for delivering community safety across the county. Workshops and discussions focused on how partners can turn young people's recommendations into practical action.
York and North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, Jo Coles, said:
“A huge thanks to everyone who has taken part in this work over the last year. The scale of engagement from over 1,800 young people across our county is incredible and key to understanding how Mayor David Skaith and I can help make them feel safer in their communities.
"The recommendations the commission have made as a result of all that input will now form a vital part of the way in which I will hold the police and fire service to account as well as the commissioning work that takes place to support victims and to prevent crime. I will continue to work closely with them and with other partners across the York and North Yorkshire to implement their suggestions wherever possible.”
Kaytea Budd-Brophy, Senior Manager, Leaders Unlocked said:
"It’s inspiring to hear the Youth Commission present the findings from their peer-led research directly to local decision-makers and partners from across the region. The insights shared highlighted the issues that matter most to young people and showcased the passion and commitment of the Commission's members.
"We hope the recommendations spark meaningful action and strengthen collaboration between organisations and young people to create positive change across York and North Yorkshire. Congratulations to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication."
The Youth Commission's final report, containing detailed findings and recommendations will be published later this year. Partners across York and North Yorkshire were also invited to make pledges outlining how they will respond to the issues raised through the Big Conversation.
