Youth Commission puts young people’s voices in focus
More visible patrols, improved victim updates and better engagement with young people were the recommendations given by over 1,200 young people from across Nottinghamshire.
The Nottinghamshire Youth Commission, made up of around 30 members aged 14–25, carried out the survey and presented its latest findings and recommendations at the 2025 Big Conversation Conference.
This year, members focused on four key areas chosen by young people themselves: Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG); Drugs & Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB); Knife Crime and Serious Violence; and Perceptions and Relationships with the Police.
The Youth Commission reached more than 1,200 young people through peer-led workshops, surveys, and conversations in schools and youth settings.
Their findings were shared at an event at The Old School in Dunkirk on Tuesday 23 September with partners including the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angela Kandola, Nottinghamshire Police, and community organisations.
DPCC Kandola said: “The voices of young people are essential in shaping policing priorities, especially around issues like VAWG, drugs and knife crime that affect them directly.
“The Youth Commission’s work ensures their perspectives aren’t just heard, but acted upon, and I am committed to making sure their recommendations feed into our Police and Crime Plan.”
Young women highlighted unwanted attention and catcalling, sometimes from older men, and said this behaviour often feels normalised. They raised concerns about how reports are handled, the level of support given, and safety in public spaces at night.
Others talked about drugs and anti-social behaviour, describing cannabis use as “normalised” through social media and music, while rural communities said they often feel overlooked. Nuisance behaviour on transport and from vehicles was also raised as a problem.
In conversations about knife crime, young people said fear was driving knife-carrying, but many lacked trust that reporting concerns would be taken seriously.
Finally, they talked about relationships with the police, with some describing officers as intimidating or “judgemental” and calling for friendlier engagement, more transparency, and better communication with those experiencing mental health challenges.
Project Manager at Leaders Unlocked Kelese Hyacinth added: “Through the Youth Commission, we are able to listen directly to young people and ensure their voices are not only heard but play a central role in shaping decisions.
“It has been a privilege to work with young people from across Nottinghamshire, providing them with a safe platform to influence change within their communities.
“We are also proud to work closely with the Nottinghamshire PCC, Nottinghamshire Police, and the Violence Reduction Partnership to support this important work.”
They also called on the PCC and partners to fund youth organisations and community events, expand safe spaces, invest in lighting and CCTV, and promote reporting routes more clearly.
The Youth Commission itself committed to continuing peer-led workshops, raising awareness of harassment and VAWG, and extending outreach to LGBTQ+ youth, ethnic minority groups, and those with disabilities.
21-year-old Reanne Jordan, a member of the Youth Commission said: “Being part of the youth commission has been an eye-opening experience.
“I’ve had the chance to hear a range of opinions from young people across Nottinghamshire, as well as speak to criminal justice professionals myself to share my own thoughts and questions.
“It’s shown me just how important it is to make sure young people’s voices are heard and I’m really hopeful that the work we’ve done will make this happen.”
The Big Conversation directly supports the Police and Crime Plan’s commitment to put communities and victims first and to ensure young people’s voices are central to decision-making.
The event also brought together partners around the table for follow-up discussions, ensuring the recommendations lead to practical next steps.
The Commission will now work with the PCC, Nottinghamshire Police, and other partners to embed these recommendations into local policing and crime prevention work.
Progress will be reviewed through ongoing workshops, community engagement events, and next year’s Big Conversation.