Young Solutions has been working in partnership with the University of Worcester and Stormvideos on the development of a mobile phone app for young people, and we have heard that the app is nearly ready!

The phone app grew out of the winning idea from students at St John’s Middle School in Bromsgrove which they created as part of a school’s competition supported by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner.

The app will raise awareness amongst 11 – 14 year olds about theft, bullying, hate crime and inappropriate relationships – issues which they feel are important to them.  The app consists of series of short videos that challenge young people to think about the effects of these issues and it describes some of the difficult decisions young people have to take as well as the impact those decisions can have on their lives, friendships and well-being.

Young Solutions has consulted over the past few months with groups of young people in the target age band across the West Mercia policing area. Particular efforts were made to include young people who may be susceptible to the issues being considered. The young people involved in the consultation were asked about the relevance and appropriateness of the content and for their opinions on the app’s effectiveness. We also sought young people’s views on the information and guidance that accompanies the videos.

The responses from the consultation was positive, with most young people seeing it as a very useful source of information. They also felt that it provides essential advice on what to do if they find themselves confronted or involved in issues tackled by the app.

The app is now in the final development stages and is due to be launched at the University of Worcester on July 6^th.