24 Jan 2024
Today (24 January 2024), Police and Crime Commissioner has been on a Community Engagement Day in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion where he had the opportunity to meet with students and representatives from Aberystwyth University, as well as visiting New Pathways’ Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Bow Street to discuss resources and support available at the Centre.
Aberystwyth has a large population of students which represents 40% of the town’s population making the town a student-centred town. Whilst visiting the University, PCC Dafydd Llywelyn had an opportunity to meet with the Students’ Union Staff to discuss issues that are of significant importance to students and young people. PCC Llywelyn also met with the Director of Student Services to discuss the challenges the University face in providing support for their students, and what are the pressing concerns when it comes to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students.
With it being Neighbourhood Policing Week this week, the PCC met with officers from Aberystwyth Neighbourhhod Policing team to discuss local issues and how they engage with various groups and communities within Aberystwyth to ensure visibility and effective engagement.
In the afternoon, the Police and Crime Commissioner had the opportunity to visit New Pathways’ Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Bow Street. New Pathways have been commissioned by PCC Dafydd Llywelyn to provide specialist support for adults, children and young people in Dyfed-Powys area, who have been affected by rape, sexual assault or abuse. Their Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Ceredigion is based in Bow Streets, where they offer confidential medical and practical support to people who have recently been raped or sexually assaulted.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said; “Sexual Assault Referral Centres are invaluable in ensuring that adequate support services are available. They provide a safe and supportive environment for survivors of sexual assault, including specialised medical care, forensic examinations, counselling and information about legal processes. I was grateful to staff at New Pathways in Ceredigion today for taking the time to talk me through the crucial support they provide to survivors during an extremely difficult time.
“Visiting the University was of key significance too, as we work to ensure that young people are given a voice on policing matters, whilst also gaining a better understanding of the various support services that are provided to students by the University.
“With this being neighbourhood policing week, it was important for me to link in with the Officers and PCSOs at Aberystwyth to discuss local issues and concerns and their problem-solving approach as we aim to ensure that we engage effectively with local community groups to provide and effective and efficient policing service that meets the needs and expectations of our residents and businesses.
“I am grateful to everyone I met today for their time and look forward to further community engagement work in February”.
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