For the first time in Dyfed-Powys, a group of Youth Ambassadors have held Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn to account, following findings from last year’s Y Sgwrs consultation. The Policing Board session gave young people the opportunity to raise concerns and ask direct questions related to issues highlighted in the report.

The Y Sgwrs report, a comprehensive consultation with young people across the region, revealed key concerns around community safety, mental health support, and the role of policing in their daily lives. In response, the Commissioner invited Youth Ambassadors to engage with him directly to ensure their voices are heard and acted upon.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn reflected on the importance of the consultation and the session, saying: 
 
“The Y Sgwrs report provided invaluable insights into the concerns and priorities of young people in Dyfed-Powys. Today’s session was a great way to follow up on those findings, giving the Youth Ambassadors the chance to hold me accountable and discuss how we’re addressing their concerns. I’m committed to ensuring their voices continue to shape our policing priorities."During the session, the Youth Ambassadors raised a variety of questions, drawing on the themes from the report, and addressing topics like community policing, mental health, and youth engagement.

Chief Constable, Dr Richard Lewis, commented on the impact of youth involvement in policing: “Today’s meeting provided an opportunity for young people representing our communities to have their voice heard and gave the Youth Ambassadors the chance to challenge the force and enable discussions to take place whilst also informing them of the work we do to meet the needs of young people across our force area.”

One of our Youth Ambassadors, shared their thoughts on the experience: 
 
"It was empowering to be able to directly question the Police and Crime Commissioner based on the findings from the Y Sgwrs report. It shows that our voices and concerns are being taken seriously. We hope that this will lead to real changes that make a difference for young people in Dyfed-Powys."

The Y Sgwrs consultation has played a pivotal role in giving young people a platform to influence policing in their communities, and the Youth Ambassadors’ engagement ensures that these issues remain a priority for the Police and Crime Commissioner and his team moving forward.

Are you interested in being part of the Youth Ambassador Scheme? Find out more and apply here: Dyfed-Powys Police & Crime Commissioner (dyfedpowys-pcc.org.uk)

Further information:

OPCC.Communication@dyfed-powys.police.uk

Article Date: 18/09/2024