Young voices central to tackling crime in West Yorkshire

Children and young people are being given the opportunity to shape community safety and policing in West Yorkshire. 

The Mayor’s Young Communities Network is a forum that ensures young voices directly influence the decisions that affect their lives. 

It brings together those aged 12 to 25 from across the region to contribute their perspectives and discuss the issues that matter most to them. 

Topics discussed range across policing and community safety, but could include serious violence, safeguarding, digital crime, anti‑social behaviour, and relationships with the police. 

Anja, who is a member of the network, said:

“I feel like it's important for young voices to be heard specifically by people like the Mayor because they influence our lives and our futures. 

“If we can give them our point of view then it gives them a different outlook on things.”

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:  

“The voices of children and young people should be at the heart of our decision‑making, and the Young Communities Network is a fantastic forum to be heard.  

“Their experiences and insights will inform our approach to crime and community safety across the region, allowing us to deliver the support and services they need. 

“By involving young people directly in the issues that affect their lives, we can build a safer, fairer West Yorkshire for everyone.” 

Young people do not need to have any specialist knowledge to take part. Their personal views and lived experience are what matter most.  

Members meet throughout the year, either in person or online. 

There will be opportunities to meet senior leaders, take part in policing experience days, volunteer at Mayoral events, build confidence speaking about the issues that matter to them, and strengthen their CVs through training and development. 

Anyone aged 12 to 25 who lives, works or studies in West Yorkshire can get involved, with parental consent required for those under 18.  

Young people from all backgrounds are encouraged to take part and represent their communities. 

If you are interested, or know a young person who would like to share their views and help shape a safer, more inclusive West Yorkshire, you can find out more and get involved at: www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/policing-and-crime/communities/the-mayors-young-communities-network/ 

• Young people have worked to develop and co-produce the Mayor’s Young Communities Network, engaging wider audiences on community safety issues.
  
  
• We’ve consulted with 2246 children and young people under 25 to help inform the upcoming Serious Violence Strategy for West Yorkshire.
  
  
• The Mayor has adopted a new ‘Child First’ framework, ensuring children and young people are placed at the heart of decision‑making across West Yorkshire.
  
  
• Since April 2025 alone, our West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership has supported 8,000+ young people.
  
  
• We’ve collaborated with young people in a photography exhibition that captures their experiences and perspectives on community safety. This innovative project has amplified their voices and will inform the Mayor’s forthcoming Serious Violence Strategy.
  
  
• Since its inception in 2021, the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund has handed out more than £4.4million to 460 local projects that work with and support young people to create a safer, fairer West Yorkshire.