Commissioner praises North Yorkshire Youth Commission as appeal for new members begins

Zoë Metcalfe has received the group’s latest annual report at a meeting alongside representatives of North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and other key partners.

She thanked the 29 Youth Commissioners from across North Yorkshire and York who have worked so hard to support, challenge and inform the work of North Yorkshire Police and the Commissioner over the past 12 months.

During 2021, they focused on six key priorities and engaged with over 2,000 individuals aged between 14 and 25 on these issues and others during a particularly challenging time for young people.

The key priorities were:

• Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
• Abusive Relationships
• Hate Crime
• Relationships with Police and Authorities
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse
• Missing Young People and Exploitation

The work done on these is outlined and assessed in the annual report which is available here >>

North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe said:

“The North Yorkshire Youth Commission has given vital insight into the views of young people to our emergency services, organisations and commissioned services ever since it was founded in 2015.

“This is now perhaps more important than ever as we ensure their views are heard after two years when the world has changed. For children and young adults, two years represents a substantial part of their lives and, with education and opportunities two of the most impacted parts of society as a result of the pandemic, it is crucial they have a voice. I am determined they will.”

A recruitment campaign for the 2022 Youth Commissioners is now underway and the age range of those eligible has been extended to between 10 and 25 in an effort to capture the voice of even more young people from across North Yorkshire and York.

Anyone interested in giving their view on policing and crime, developing leadership skills and representing their friends and classmates can apply to join the Commission. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday 25 February.

Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe adds:

“The Youth Commission plays a hugely important role in North Yorkshire and York and, as Commissioner, it will always have my support. I would encourage anyone interested in having their say to find out more and submit an application.

“I cannot wait to continue listening to our existing Youth Commissioners, and hearing from our new Commissioners, in the months and years ahead.”

Existing Commissioners are also encouraging others to come forward and make sure their voice is heard, no matter where they are from or what their background is.

Sophie said:

“I have really enjoyed being a Youth Commission member over the last few years. I am very proud of the work we’ve been doing to help young people’s voices be heard and start a conversation about tough topics that will help to bring about change.”

Georgia said:

“The Youth Commission has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. I’ve had the opportunity to talk to hundreds of young people and listen to their stories. The Youth Commission will continue to be successful as the voice of the youth is the future. It’s been a powerful group and we’ve reached thousands of people through our workshops, and we are looking forward to reaching so many more.”

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