Agenda item

Connected Council  Doncaster Growing Together Theme

Members of the Youth Council provided a presentation updating the Panel on the Youth Council Elections and Knife Crime Campaign.

With regard to the Youth Council Elections, all schools were sent promotional information, Youth Councillors promoted it within their own schools, ward Councillors were asked for support within their catchment area and a film was produced and shown within all schools.  The Application to stand as a Youth Councillor was undertaken through a Google form and webpage.

It was explained that Knife Crime was a priority campaign for young people and through the Youth Council’s “Make your Mark” consultation event, it was identified as a the second biggest concern across Doncaster for 11 to 18 year olds.

The Youth Council has met with Chief Superintendent Shaun Morley and Detective Superintendent Una Jennings to discuss how young people and partners were tackling knife crime to keep young people safe. 

Youth Councillors were planning facilitated focus groups in schools to gather information from young people looking at concerns, perceived views, gang related issues and peer pressure.

Following the presentation, discussion specifically addressed the following areas:

Youth Council Membership – the current membership had increased by 5 schools.  All categories were canvassed including young apprentices and pupils who were home schooled.  Two schools in the Borough had not taken part in encouraging young people to take part in the Elections.

With regard to pupils who had chosen to undertake Elective Home Education, it was noted that being part of the Youth Council gave young people the opportunity to acquire a sense of belonging.

Additional to school representatives, there were also seats on the Youth Council for LGBTQ+, Doncaster College, LADDER, Young Careers, CICC and Visual/Hearing impairment.

Knife Crime – South Yorkshire was positioned 7^th nationwide for problems relating to knife crime but that was mainly issues being experienced in Sheffield. 

It was stressed by Youth Councillors that information presented to children and young people needed to be delivered in a way that was not frightening and that they learnt it was ok to run away from a dangerous situation.

It was noted that Year 9 pupils were receiving information/presentations on knife crime, however, concern was expressed that younger children were already in contact with Knife Crime and therefore, “Make Your Mark” had been introduced to Young Advisors to specifically seek Primary School issues.

A Member outlined that young people in her ward were not surprised by the amount of knife crime and expressed strong concern that gangs were travelling into the area from cities like Sheffield.

It was noted that week commencing 11^th March, there were many knife amnesty areas, with Sheffield undertaking a week long operation. 

The Chair concluded the discussion by thanking the Youth Councillors for highlighting the issues to the Scrutiny Panel and invited them to attend a future meeting in the 2019/20 civic year.

RESOLVED:  That the discussion be noted and work being undertaken by the Youth Council, particularly relating to combatting knife crime, be supported.