Giving Children and Young People of Dyfed Powys a Voice

Recognising that children and young people’s views are often “not heard” by organisations when involving the community in decision making, Dyfed Powys Police Authority launched its Children and Young People Strategy.  The event, which took place on Saturday welcomed 12 young representatives from diverse backgrounds with Participation Officers from across Dyfed-Powys area.  It was an opportunity to increase their knowledge about who the Police Authority are, what they do, and will give them the opportunity to tell the Police Authority how they can be included in decision making in the future. 

Delyth Humfryes Chair of the Police Authority said, "This event was the first step towards greater participation of children and young people in having a say in the policing services they receive.  Policing in Dyfed-Powys affects the whole community including children and young people.  To ensure that the service meets the needs of those living and working in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys, the Police Authority is firmly committed to consulting and engaging with the whole community in its decision making process.

Feedback from the day hailed the event as a success, however, the Authority does not want to stop there.  The launch of the Children and Young People’s Participation Strategy, which can be found on the Authority’s website, was a positive first step in the right direction, and we are strongly committed to ensuring that all actions from the day are followed up and further engagement opportunities are realised, giving as many children and young people a voice on decisions that affect them.

We would encourage and welcome members of the public including children and young people, to attend any locally held meetings such as the Partnerships and Communities Together (PACT) meetings and the newly introduced Community Consultative meetings, the dates for which will be advertised locally and on our website, nearer the time."