Young people from Conwy and Denbighshire quizzed a panel of experts at a ‘Question Time’ style event at St Asaph, as part of National Youth Week.
‘Young people, community safety and policing’ was the topic under consideration at the event, which was co-hosted by Cllr Ian Gunning MBE and Sion Rickard from Llanrwst DofE.
The audience of young people had prepared questions ranging from keeping safe in the community, volunteering, respect, being moved-on from parks and the issue of young people being victims of crime.
On the panel, answering the questions, were Chief Superintendent Simon Humphreys (North Wales Police), Vivienne Lomax and Wendy Gibbs (Conwy and Denbighshire Magistrates Youth Panels), Andy Wallsgrave (Children’s Commissioners Office), Alun Lewis (North Wales Police Authority) and Emma Ratcliffe (Youth Justice Service).
Ann Davies, Conwy Youth Service said, “It proved to be a thought provoking night for both panel members and the young people.”
North Wales Police’ Central Division Commander, Chief Superintendent Simon Humphreys said: “It is extremely important that we engage with youngsters in our communities and this event was a perfect opportunity to do just that.
“Community engagement is vital if we, the police, and our partners are to deliver increased public confidence. By providing opportunities such as this event whereby the young people are given the opportunity to ask us questions, we are hopefully helping to build positive relations.”
Alun Lewis, Chair of North Wales Police Authority said “We were very pleased that the event was well attended. We had over 50 young people participating. The questions were centred around activities for young people in the evenings, what they could do to help their communities and how they are perceived. It was an excellent opportunity for us to establish a good line of communication with young people.”
The event organised by the Youth Services of Conwy and Denbighshire Councils with North Wales Police Authority. The young people involved received confirmation on the night that they would receive £800 from the Police & Communities Trust (PACT) to continue with the development and review of this project.
