Youth Commission start 'Big Conversation' on serious violence and exploitation

The West Yorkshire Youth Commission is taking centre stage in a ‘Big Conversation’ to tackle serious violence and exploitation across the region.

The pioneering collaboration with the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) will now see the group of 14 to 25 year olds announce their findings and recommendations at an event in Leeds on Tuesday 17^th October.

They cover 4 priority aims:-

• Rehabilitation and Prevention
• Community Relationships and Life
• Attitudes and Violence Towards Women & Girls
• Gangs, Drugs, and Knife Crime

 “It is absolutely critical that we understand the lens through which young people experience life in West Yorkshire, and how we can work better together to protect them from harm.

"These findings and recommendations will help shape the partnership response to serious violence, putting their voice at the heart of our approach.

“It ensures organisations are tuned into the barriers, challenges and concerns, but crucially it allows them to recognise the type of action required.”

“The members of the West Yorkshire Youth Commission have shown great determination and passion, using their position to support the safety of young people across our communities.

“I care deeply about inclusion, and we can only tackle serious violence effectively if we listen to those it affects, working together to arrive at the solutions.

“I will be listening carefully to what they have found in response to their priorities, which also mirror those of the Mayor and her Police and Crime Plan.”

The Youth Commission has worked tirelessly to develop these recommendations using active listening and interviewing skills, as well as peer facilitation training.

“They held four ‘Independent Advisory Group’ meetings with the Violence Reduction Partnership and also gave views around the newly introduced serious violence duty.

“It is testament to their dedication that they are now influencing decision making around violent crime and exploitation, and all through the eyes of young people.”