Cheshire Youth Commission report empowers young people to feedback into local policing

Confidence in policing, online safety, discrimination and equalities are just a few of the key issues researched by the Cheshire Youth Commission (CYC), a group of 14 – 25 year olds who provide a voice for young people across the county to feed into policing and discuss crime issues that affect them.

Following their successful Youth Commission Summit in November, the CYC has published its annual report outlining recommendations on key issues affecting their peers across the county. 

The CYC was established by Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer in 2016 and has continued to provide a channel for young people to feedback on policing and crime issues that relate to them. 

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: “I had the pleasure of creating the very first Cheshire Youth Commission during my first term in office, and I am delighted they have continued to play such a pivotal role since then. 

“The work they have begun will continue to develop over the next three years, and I look forward to working with them to build on their achievements and implement the recommendations they have made.” 

In 2021, the CYC engaged with 2,400 young people across the county, who identified, fed back and gave recommendations on the following five areas: 

• Online safety and social media 
• Confidence in policing 
• Violence and abuse 
• Grooming and exploitation 
• Discrimination and equalities 

The recommendations will enable Cheshire Constabulary, the Commissioner and other agencies to improve the services they offer to young people, ensuring their needs are met.  

James Oddie, member of the Cheshire Youth Commission, said: “I have been a member of the Commission since its inception. To me the importance of the group is that it gives young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity of having their voices heard. 

“It also gives Cheshire Police a valuable asset as it is difficult to find out what young people think about the issues we cover. We’ve found they’re much more likely to talk about the issues with their peers.” 

John Dwyer, added: “Youth Commission members have worked tirelessly to ensure young people have a voice in policing, and this is especially commendable given the challenges we faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I’m conscious that young people in our county often feel like their voices aren’t heard. The CYC helps to bridge this gap and ensures that as many young people as possible are able to have their say on policing and crime. 

“The conversations they continue to have with their peers ensure the decisions I make on policing and crime reflect their views and opinions and consider the recommendations they make. This engagement will help young people to feel safe in our communities.” 

Sergeant Hannah Munnelly, Cheshire Constabulary, said: “As Youth Engagement Co-ordinator for Cheshire Constabulary I have found the work of the Youth Commission invaluable in understanding the issues hindering the relationships between police and young people and how we can work to break downs the barriers to build a relationship based on trusts and understanding. I am excited to continue working with the CYC to continue and expand upon the fantastic work that has already been done.” 

To read the full report published by the Cheshire Youth Commission visit:

www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/youth-commission/cheshire-youth-commission-reports/