Young people identify three priorities for Police, as Youth Ambassadors come together to form Dyfed-Powys Youth Forum

On Wednesday 26/10/22, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn welcomed young people from across the Force area to Police Headquarters in Carmarthen, who have been appointed as new members of the Dyfed-Powys Youth Forum, who will work with the PCC and the Force on three key youth priorities.

A total of 15 young people have been appointed to the Forum, ranging in age from 15 to 19 years old, and were invited to the Police Headquarters on 26th of October, for an induction and training session to support and prepare them in representing young people from Powys, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

PCC Dafydd Llywelyn first established the Youth Forum in 2018, and wants to build on the work to date, so that Dyfed-Powys has a Forum of Youth Ambassadors who are ready to ‘influence’ and ‘challenge decision-making’, to ensure that the communities of Dyfed-Powys have a Police Force that successfully safeguard children and young people and promote their wellbeing.

Over the summer months, as part of the recruitment campaign for the Youth Forum, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner launched a youth survey asking young people for their views and perception of policing in their area. The survey findings have identified three priority areas for the Youth Forum to focus on for 2022/23.

The three priorities identified are;

Mental Health support for young victims;
Substance mis-use prevention activities for young people;
Support for young adults who are committing low level offences, to build their confidence and access training and employment

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “I have always had a passion for building a strong relationship with young people and want to better understand what leads some young people to crime and disorder and how they can be helped to make positive choices in life.

“I want to ensure that each and every young person has a voice in the future of policing in Dyfed-Powys. I want to know what they feel our priorities should be? What impact does crime have on them and their community? What do we need to change?

“It was fantastic to welcome the Ambassadors to Police Headquarters for their induction session, and to have to discuss various issues with them. They will now, be representing the voices of young people from all backgrounds, and will support me with my scrutiny work by challenge decisions, provide recommendations, and influence change for the benefit of young people in our area.”

During their induction and training session in Headquarters, the Youth Forum were given an input on the three areas by staff and officers, as well as an input on Children’s Rights by representatives from the Children’s Commissioner in Wales’ Office.

Chief Inspector Chris Neve, who is the Dyfed-Powys Force Lead on Child Centred Policing said; “It was important for the Youth Ambassadors to hear how we currently are providing mental health support for young victims, and what we are doing in relation to the other priorities that were identified in the youth survey over the summer. However, more importantly was the feedback and the open discussions we had on these issues with the Ambassadors.

“It was great to meet all ambassadors. We are excited to have them on board, to challenge and advise us. I look forward to working with them over the next couple of years, to ensure we provide the best service possible for young people in Dyfed-Powys.”

Youth Ambassador, Catrin Morris of Ceredigion said: “I joined the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Youth Forum because I want to make sure that young people’s voices are heard. I see the Forum as a bridge between the Police and young people, and I want to represent the young people of Ceredigion on this group”.

Holly Goddard of Carmarthenshire, who has been appointed as a Youth Ambassadors added: “I enjoy helping the community and I would like to make a difference to public wellbeing, health, safety and improve facilities. I am interested in having a say in crime, punishment, community development and safety of the public. I would like to use my voice to help others and make communities happier and safer.

Over the next year, Youth Ambassadors will consult with their peers on the three priorities identified, with the aim of identifying and providing specific recommendations to the Police and Crime Commissioner, Chief Constable and other partner organisations to consider moving forward.