Report highlights key issues affecting young people in Cheshire

Mental health, sexual harassment, and staying safe online are just some of the key issues affecting young people in Cheshire highlighted in a report to the county’s police and crime commissioner (PCC).

The report has been developed by Cheshire Youth Commission following a consultation with more than 2,000 young people across the county to give the police and partners a better understanding of key issues which affect them.

 The report provides the outcomes and the recommendations on a consultation delivered by young people, recruited to be ambassadors for their peers and communities, and aims to influence key decision makers in policing, criminal justice and beyond.

 The Youth Commission, which is delivered through support from the PCC, also found young people considered drug and alcohol misuse and having trust in the police force as important issues to be addressed.

Recommendations to tackle these issues include police having a more active role in schools enabling them to be more open about issues with drugs, education establishments taking a more active role in talking about sexual harassment and consent with students and allocating a PCSO to each school to give young people a “familiar face” in their police service.

Anyone aged 14-25 who lives, studies or works in Cheshire is able to apply to be on this year’s Youth Commission, giving them the chance to take part in this year’s consultation to have an enhanced advisory role on policing issues and support key police operations.

Rose Dowling, director at Leaders Unlocked who coordinate the Youth Commission in Cheshire, added: “We are delighted to offer the opportunity for more young people to get involved with the Cheshire Youth Commission this year.

“Successful applicants will be collaborating closely with the PCC and constabulary to make a real difference to policing and crime in Cheshire in the year ahead.

“We intend to select a very diverse group from across the county, including groups that are often overlooked and those with lived experience of the police and justice systems.”

Further information about applying for the 2018 Youth Commission is available at https://www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/what-im-doing/get-involved/cheshire-youth-commission/. The deadline for applications is 20 July 2018.