On Saturday 7 February, the York and North Yorkshire Youth Commission held their first in person meeting of the year at The Priory Street Centre, in York.
The Youth Commission enables a diverse group of young people aged 10-25 years, from across the region, to inform, support and challenge the work of the York and North Yorkshire Mayor, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, North Yorkshire Police, and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
They welcomed 11 new members bringing the Youth Commission total members now to 36 and spent the day discussing what police, fire, and crime issues most affect young people across the region.
These included:
Online Safety
Drugs and County
Inclusivity and Discrimination
Members also worked together on designing their ‘Big Conversation’ peer research which will be delivered to other young people countywide across the rest of 2026 to find out their views and experiences ahead of their annual conference in the autumn.
Jo Coles, York and North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said:
“The brilliant York and North Yorkshire Youth Commission ensure that young people in our region have a say on policing, fire, and crime issues that matter to them and provide real insights into what needs to happen to make York and North Yorkshire safe for everyone.
“Last year they asked David Skaith, the Mayor and I for more funding of youth and community groups that are safe spaces and for stronger scrutiny of the use of stop and search powers by the police.
“As well as meeting with the commission when I can I also meet regularly with other groups of young people across our region, in schools and community groups and this weekend joined young people leaving care from York and North Yorkshire to hear about these experiences of the police and what else would ensure they feel safe when they’re out and about.
“Congratulations to all the new and returning members of the commission – I’m really looking forward to learning about the work they have planned.”
Emily Blavins, Senior Project Manager, Leaders Unlocked said:
“We are really excited to be launching a new Big Conversation with the York and North Yorkshire Youth Commission. It’s been great to welcome new and existing members who are all passionate about making positive change in their communities.”
To find out more information about the Youth Commission please visit: https://www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/for-you/young-people/youth/
