About the Youth Commission

“I absolutely love it. It’s made me so much more confident in myself and I’m really interested in how we can help other people”

The Youth Commission enables young people, aged between 10 and 25, to inform, support and challenge the work of the Police, Fire and Commissioner, North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“I am improving my confidence and speaking skills whilst also helping people at the same time. I feel that I have life experience which may be valuable to share with others”

Comprising of up to 35 young people, they are a diverse group who broadly reflect the make-up of the local population, including those who may have direct experience of the police and the criminal justice system.

“I am part of the Youth Commission to help young people learn how to live in acceptable ways”

What does a member of the Youth Commission do?

• Take part in Youth Commission members’ meetings:
  Members participate in regular Youth Commission members’ meetings which are either at a central location, for all to attend, or smaller local meetings. At these meetings, members discuss and set objectives for the project, they develop skills and come up with creative ideas for approaches that will reflect, and review the progress of the project.
• Deliver Campaign Activities:
  Members lead or co-facilitate workshops and presentations around our key priorities. Members represent themselves, the wider Youth Commission group and the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner.
• Advise the police force:
  Members have the opportunity to advise North Yorkshire Police about issues affecting young people and to inform the development of their youth strategy.
• Advise the fire service:
  Members have the opportunity to advise North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service about issues affecting young people and to inform the development of their youth strategy.
• Work on special topics:
  Members work together on priorities set by a process of peer research including mental health, abusive relationships, hate crime, drug and alcohol abuse, missing young people and exploitation, and the relationship between young people and the police.
• Gather the views of other young people:
  Members are given support to carry out peer research sessions with other young people in schools, colleges, universities and youth groups.
• Plan events:
  Members work in a team to design and plan events to engage other young people in their area.
• Report back to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner:
  Members contribute towards the analysis of information gathered from young people in their area, and present their conclusions to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
• Host the Youth Commission Conference at the end of the year:
  Members present the Youth Commission’s results and recommendations at an end of year conference and get involved in discussions with the police, professionals and other young people.

Keep up to date with the activities of the North Yorkshire Youth Commissions by searching for #YouthCommission #KYMSGAME on Twitter.

Interested? Please contact:

Emily Blavins
e: Emily@leaders-unlocked.org