Youth Commission’s work recognised during National Democracy Week

The work of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Youth Commission in giving young people a voice has been recognised in the latest issue of a key publication aimed at teachers and health professionals working with young people.

The article in the Education and Health journal, which was published during this week’s National Democracy Week, highlights how the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Youth Commission reaches out to thousands of young people across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton to find out what issues they are concerned about and to ensure their voice is heard by decision makers.

Based on the responses gathered through their outreach work, the Youth Commission contributed to a consultation by the Department for Education earlier this year on how the content of and guidance on sex and relationship education should be updated.

Putting democracy into real action by passing on the voice of the young people they engaged with, Youth Commission members hold strong views on why they should be heard.

Youth Commission member Casey Taylor said:

“The Government should listen to the Youth Commission because we are the people that their policies will or have affected in the past.

“As much as adults know what young people need to learn and how, it is important that they listen to what is affecting young people because they are the ones experiencing issues and know what they feel they need a better understanding of.”

The detailed insight into young people’s ideas around sex and relationship education has resulted in the Youth Commission’s Raise a Flag campaign. Following input at conferences and training of professionals, the campaign currently focuses on raising public awareness of the signs of an unhealthy relationship, involving many partner organisations across all sectors.

Recognising the rise in Domestic Abuse incidents during major sporting events, for the duration of the Football World Cup the Youth Commission’s campaign flag is being flown at various high profile locations across the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, such as council buildings and public events. You can follow the flag trail and all associated activities here: Follow the Raise a flag campaign