The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) wants young people to have a say on issues in their local community and concerns, which affect them.
Crime, policing and community safety effect everyone. However, research shows the under-25s are more likely to become victims of crime.
The Home Office’s 2003 Crime and Justice Survey (C&JS) found:
- Over a third (35%) of young people aged 10 to 15 had experienced crime in the previous 12 months;
- The degree of repeat victimisation for violent offences was particularly high for young people;
- Offending by young people was most likely to lead to them becoming victims of crime.
As potential victims, it is important that the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) represents young people’s views, experiences and priorities. This is so the PCC can meet their needs when planning and funding services.
As a result, the PCC encourages young people to take an active part in their community and become responsible citizens.
One of the main ways, in which the PCC does this, is by funding Cleveland Youth Advisory Group (YAG.)
Cleveland Youth Advisory Group (YAG)
The YAG is run by Redcar-based youth charity The Junction and draws members from all over Cleveland.
The group gives young people the chance to have their say on policing, community safety and victims services.
The YAG builds on the work of Cleveland Youth Commission on Crime, which worked with Cleveland PCC between 2020 and 2022.
What is the YAG?
The Youth Advisory Group (YAG) enables young people to support, challenge and inform work around policing, community safety and victims services in Cleveland.
Young people learn valuable life skills and have the chance to meet new people by taking part.
Who can join?
Participants must be aged 14 to 18, and live in the Cleveland Force area – that is, Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough or Redcar and Cleveland.
To be a successful YAG member, you will be a team player. You will also be committed and willing to take part in all YAG activities.
Recruits are drawn from a diverse group of young people, who broadly reflect the make-up of communities across Cleveland.
What do YAG members do?
Members undertake a wide range of activities. They include the following:
- Carrying out consultation with young people on behalf of the Cleveland Unit for Reducing Violence (CURV);
- Producing quarterly feedback for CURV’s Governance Board;
- Supporting the development of funding bids, where consultation with young people is needed;
- Developing a Youth Ethics Panel to provide advice and guidance to Cleveland Police on a range of ethical dilemmas;
- Advising on policy development, making sure that new policing policies reflect the needs of young people and do not impact on them adversely;
- Acting as a critical friend to the force and OPCC by calling out any issues, which cause them concern;
- Supporting the OPCC Communications Team to develop campaigns targeted at young people.
What do Young People get from taking part?
The benefits of taking part include the following:
- The chance to discuss issues, which affect you and your future;
- The opportunity to develop valuable skills and experience, which look good on a CV and can be used in job and college applications;
- The opportunity to give a voice to young people across Cleveland through consultation and other work;
- The chance to meet new people, who you may not otherwise meet.
For more details, contact Phil Dolphin, the Junction’s Lead for Youth and Participation, at [email protected]