Young People are Important – Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Tells Youth Charity AGM

A vision of a new community spirit that involved young people working together to improve society was the message at the heart of what West Mercia’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Barrie Sheldon told those attending Young Solutions Worcestershire Annual General Meeting. Barrie Sheldon was the keynote speaker at the youth charity’s AGM where he spoke about the importance the Police and Crime Commissioner puts on work with young people. He said too often young people are seen as the culprits, but they are also victims of crime. He said that support for families and providing opportunities for young people to get involved in their local communities was crucial. He said that is why the Police and Crime Commissioner had prioritised support to so many youth activities.

The AGM, which was held at West Mercia Police headquarters, Hindlip Hall, heard from a wide range of young people. They made inspiring presentations about National Citizenship Service, Young Mental Health Champions and Young Solutions own cooking project for unemployed young people. The evening was hosted by Ellie Courtman and Orla Owen who both attend Hanley Castle School. They spent their summer volunteering at the county council’s reading project and had also been involved in Worcestershire’s young poet’s event. During the AGM they each recited one of their poems.

Michael Hunter, Chairman of Young Solutions said it had been a momentous year for the charity having undergone a name change and a major re-branding. The focus of it work was on keeping young people safe and involved so safeguarding young people remained at the centre of its activities. He added that the AGM was being used to launch Young Solutions new website which contained additional features designed to support safeguarding. At the end of the AGM Cat Illingworth, Young Solutions Development Officer publicly launched the website saying that its design and content reflected the modern and progressive nature of Young Solutions.

Website address – www.youngsolutions.org.uk