Young People take their Seat on Serious Violence

13th April 2023

Young People Take their Seat on Serious Violence

Young people in West Yorkshire are taking a leading role in the response to serious violent crime.

Following its launch in February 2023, nineteen new members aged between 14 and 25 have been recruited to the county’s first ever Youth Commission.

They will meet for the first time on Saturday (15/04) and will be joined by West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE.

The diverse group will have the ears of local leaders, helping to influence and inform decision making, as well as critical research.

Leaders Unlocked are co-ordinating the work in collaboration with the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

Deputy Mayor of Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE said:

“These young people will play a crucial role in both raising awareness among their peers and developing our partnership response to serious violence.

“With inclusion at the heart of the Mayor’s Police and Crime Plan, I am a huge advocate of championing young voices that bring about community level change.

“I look forward to welcoming the new members of the first ever Youth Commission here in West Yorkshire. Their views and opinions really matter, and I want to hear it all.”

Team lead Emily Blavins at Leaders Unlocked, added:

“The Youth Commission provides young people with a rare and really important opportunity to be part of the conversation on the issues that most affect them.

“We're thrilled to have successfully recruited a passionate group of young people from across West Yorkshire who are ready to represent their peers and work alongside professionals to tackle violence and exploitation affecting their communities.

“The West Yorkshire Youth Commission's peer-led 'Big Conversation' will now take place with 14-25-year-olds across the county to make sure young people's views and experiences are heard by key decision-makers.”

Angus, a member of the Youth Commission in North Yorkshire explains the valuable experience from participating:

“For me, I got involved because I was trying to make a difference in society, but it is also a great place to meet new people and have a say in society."