Youth parliament’s lively debate online

LEICESTERSHIRE Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach hosted a lively online debate with youngsters from the county’s youth parliament to gauge their experiences of the coronavirus crisis and youth violence.

The PCC took to virtual communication platform for the live Q&A session, involved members of County Youth Council Leicestershire (CYCLe), the elected Youth Parliament members, youth workers, Deputy Commissioner Coun Kirk Master alongside representatives from the commissioner’s office and the Violence Reduction Network (VRN).

The ‘You Talk We Listen’ event, which was expertly chaired by youth council member and the UK Youth Parliament Steering Group representative for the East Midlands, Lauren Duguid, was aimed at increasing understanding around young people’s experience of Covid-19 and their feelings about the return to a changing world as well as their concerns about youth crime.

It is part of the PCC’s goal to increase the involvement of young people in decision-making processes and ensure the voice of the younger generation is heard.

Attendees posed a good cross section of questions during the 90-minute meeting including whether the UK would follow Europe and introduce metal detectors in public spaces, whether the police plan to train young people on their rights so they are better informed and how the force intends to approach the increase in crime after lockdown.

Knife crime and the rehabilitation of prisoners were also discussed.

Mr Bach, who also sits on the Board of the VRN, said: “Young people are very familiar with virtual technology and felt comfortable and natural discussing the issues of coronavirus and youth crime in this way.

“I’m really grateful for their insight and contribution. Clearly, young people face a number of challenges as we return to a new ‘normal’ and this discussion has given me a good insight into the kind of support provision they might need to help ease that process.”