Youth Commission Recommendations Report 2017-2018

APRIL 2017 - NOVEMBER 2018

youth commission recommendations report 2017/18

06 What we did

Introduction

08 Who did we tell?

15

13 Priority 2: Unhealthy Relationships

20 Celebrations

34

The Youth Commission 2017-2018

Priority 3: Mental Health

26 Next Steps

35

12 Priority 1: Hate Crime

16 Priority 4: Cyber Safety

30 Our Partners

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Contents

Foreword by Michael Lane

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Foreword by Michael Lane POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER, HAMPSHIRE, ISLE OF WIGHT, PORTSMOUTH AND SOUTHAMPTON It is with great pleasure that I write the foreword of this report, and look back with pride on the excellent work that has been carried out by my Youth Commission over the past 18 months.

I was delighted that our counterparts in Gloucestershire and the Metropolitan Police Service had heard great things and came to hear about the journey my Youth Commission have been on, I hope this will encourage them to form Youth Commissions themselves to hear young voices and recommendations.

Commission members have taken added encouragement from this reaction to their work.

I am extremely proud that the Youth Commission’s work was recognised by the Home Office this year when the group came runners up in the OPCC Volunteers award category. This year was the 25th year of the Lord Ferrers award and the first time that OPCC volunteers have been recognised, a welldeserved acknowledgment.

The conversations that have been undertaken by members really hear and connect to the voice of their peers.

I pay close attention to the recommendations in this report as the points raised represent the concerns and ideas of young people and will help inform the work of my team and wider partners. I hope you will join me in supporting and taking appropriate action.

michael's foreword

MY YOUTH COMMISSION

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Members have impressively committed several hundred hours of their own time to volunteer to researching and delivering improvements around policing and crime that reflect young views and opinions and bringing the energy that drives forward their work.

Those who have been with the Youth Commission for a year or more are offered an opportunity to mentor subsequent members. The following young people have shared their skills and experiences and are significantly responsible for the success of the Youth Commission. Well done to; • Gabrielle Day

• Alison Romaine

• Rebecca Dunn

• Marcia Tanyanyiwa

• Mandy Ratcliff

• Katie Vincent

My sincere thanks go to the newest members for their individual contributions; Abigail Caveney

Chloe Gale

Rebecca Lees

Abigail Mulroy

Clarissa-Mae Elliot

Ryan Dugdale

Alec Mackay-Blake

Elizabeth Bridges

Sarah Arnold

Alex Anderson

Faith Adams-Wright

Shannon Hodgson

Amy Hemming

James Bowman

Sonia Ahmed

Anna Bodman

Jordan Fewings

Sophie Robinson

Ben Frankland

Joshua Baker

Thomas Russill

Caitlin Thomas

Julia Angeles

Tsvetelina Yordanova

Callum Graves

Julie Gjerde

Vicky Kendall Weiss

Callum Watson

Kristie Poon

Yasmin Jemmett

Cameron Hodgkinson

Kyle Wright

Zephra Sprott-Atkins

Finally I would like to note my sincere thanks to Casey Taylor for her ongoing commitment to changing the lives of others, being a role model to young people and her support to my staff in the running of the project. A member since the pilot stage, who has grown in stature year on year and is now a volunteer within my team.

michael's foreword

They all deserve to be praised for their contribution.

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Introduction The Youth Commission allows young people to act as a conduit between their peer group and the Police and Crime Commissioner, exploring real experiences on policing and crime, coupled with finding solutions for those issues.

BIG CONVERSATION From April 2017 to November 2018, the Youth Commission undertook its Big Conversation, hearing from over 4,400 young people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on the four priorities chosen by members.

Additionally the members used the feedback from the Big Conversation to deliver impactful campaigns, influenced the thinking of professionals and educated peers.

The information gained has been collated into the following recommendations.

Summary HATE CRIME FINDINGS Most young people don’t know what a hate crime is and how to report it or what to do about it. Hate crime was often underrated, overlooked and not reported. The incidents experienced have damaged young people’s selfconfidence, sense of self and the feeling of belonging in the victim.

Young people did not feel educated enough, and that hate crime is not explained enough at a younger age.

Young people advocated a restorative style, saying offenders should be shown that their victims are real people with feelings, and there were consequences to their actions. They also felt serious hate crimes and incidents should be punished accordingly.

RECOMMENDATIONS

introduction

1. Awareness

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Use media to promote hate crime seminars, events and workshops in schools, youth clubs and introduce extra curriculum activities, such as equality committees.

2. Support Have a well-advertised support system in schools, colleges and universities, which will not only help young people’s wellbeing but also increase confidentiality in reporting. The person needs to be external i.e. counsellor, psychologist, therapist, not a teacher.

Ensure those support systems are accessible for those not in education, training and employment.

3. Education Educate people on what a hate crime is, what their rights are and what they can do to report it. Utilise a menu of tools including workshops, assemblies, videos, roleplay and engaging activities such as Kahoot.

4. Consequences There needs to be proactive long-term programmes for people who commit hate crimes. Those young people who have displayed criminal behaviour due to hate should volunteer within their community and emerge themselves in a diverse environment, in addition to attending a restorative session with their victim and any out of court disposals.

5. Diversity Charter Create an education charter based on diversity. Educational establishments would be awarded this charter when they have demonstrated that they have actively created an inclusive environment, have clear reporting mechanisms and robust methods of dealing with hate incidents.

UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS FINDINGS 1 in 5 young people have either personally been in an unhealthy relationship or know someone who has.

People who are in unhealthy relationships feel alone and that there is nobody to turn to. Also they didn't have the awareness of being in an unhealthy relationship until it was too late which made them feel trapped.

People didn't know or were too scared to ask for help or support to get themselves out of the relationship.

RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Opportunity to Talk There should be an obvious and accessible opportunity to talk for the people in an unhealthy relationship. This can be through online support e.g. helplines, where people would be anonymous if they want to be.

2. Spotting the Signs

3. Awareness through Education General awareness and educating young people is a key idea we need to carry forward. Schools need to give a workshop on unhealthy relationships.

Teachers also need to be educated on how to spot the signs of an unhealthy relationship in young people, as well as some police officers, in how to correctly handle an unhealthy relationship related situation.

4. Updating Services and Sharing Information Innovate ways of getting information across. Updating services to be online to provide a degree of anonymity and share methods of communication and campaigns between services. However, these services also have to be discreet.

introduction

There should be more information available and highlighted on how to spot the signs of an unhealthy relationship and also in recognising the signs in someone else e.g. family and friends.

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MENTAL HEALTH FINDINGS 1 in 4 young people knew either a family member or a friend who has mental health issues. Of those, 1 in 9 told us they become personally impacted by this and this can lead to mental health issues developing.

The general feeling was that there is a lack of support, awareness, knowledge, equal opportunity and prevention around mental health issues within schools. Particularly in regards to individual support systems.

Young people said there should be more understanding about the difference between positive mental health and negative mental health issues, recognising mental health on a spectrum and to not stigmatise those with mental health issues.

RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Informing educators There should be training for educators on spotting subtle signs of mental health issues and training for supporting these issues, as well as a focus on building resilience around mental health.

2. Prevention Focusing and promoting good mental health in schools is important.

Hold drop-in sessions with a mental health specialist coming into school, supporting any referrals that are needed, especially for children in care.

Encouraging and promoting positively around good mental health and happiness.

3. Awareness Distinguishing between ‘healthy’ mental health and having a mental health illness. Recognising the point where ‘normal’ levels of stress/sadness/anxiety get out of hand and become a bigger issue.

4. Support system Providing a drop-in service for young people in high streets, or home visits with other young people who have been through the experience (self lived), where they could chat about things that worried them and where they can get to know the people running the service.

introduction

5. Peer mentor programme

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Establish a peer mentor programme, where mentors are trained and accredited to lead group discussions on mental health and wellbeing. Some schools have wellbeing officers who help drive this agenda.

CYBER SAFETY FINDINGS Big Conversation responses have told us that we aren't taught some of the key things we need to know. We've identified that we need to know more about laws regarding our online usage, fraud, sexting and catfishing, and that it's not just children who should learn this - adults too, since they are just as vulnerable. We also need to use social media "healthily", and this can be done by using it safely (through our education of the key issues mentioned earlier) as well as reducing pressures to constantly keep our accounts updated, just to impress others.

RECOMMENDATIONS 1) Awareness of legislation Educate children and young people so they are aware of the laws and regulations that surround usage of online platforms, this should include simpler and clearer terms and conditions, information on their rights when dealing with an issue and the consequences of violating them.

2) Education Provide support and guidance to children of all ages about cyber bullying, but focussing on other, less touched on issues such as fraud, grooming, sexting and catfishing. This can be done through real life case study examples, virtual scenarios, interactive workshops and utilising our cyber ambassador scheme.

3) Educating adults Teach adults about how to be aware of the signs of cyber issues and how to deal with them for themselves, as well as their children and more vulnerable members of the community. This can be done via online tutorials or by their children.

4) Promotion of healthy social media use

introduction

Promote a healthy way of using social media and sharing data which is respectful and tolerant. Young people can feel unconfident on social media where everyone else's lives seem so "perfect". Show teenagers that they don't have to feel pressured into posting about their lives on social media and that it isn't an expectation that we should have to live up to.

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The Youth Commission 2017-18 Each year a new cohort of members are recruited, trained and volunteer to make their communities a safer place to live. This year we recruited and inducted 42 young people aged between 14 and 25 who were tasked with: • Talking with young people in their communities to understand their policing and criminal justice concerns, via The Big Conversation • Providing opportunities for young people to inform, support and challenge the Police and Crime Commissioner’s work • Identifying the root causes of problems, make recommendations for change and working on solutions Members are from Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton and from diverse backgrounds, including some who may have direct experience of the police and justice systems. We actively encourage applications from young people with these life experiences.

Over the last year members have strengthened existing campaigns, created dynamic new ones, whilst retaining a focus on embedding and implementing the recommendations from previous years.

the youth commission 2017-18

The new group identified four priorities to address;

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What we did SKILLS TRAINING The members undertook training in a variety of areas:

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

NETWORKING

COMMUNICATION

EQUALITY & DIVERSITY

PUBLIC SPEAKING

THE BIG CONVERSATION

The Big Conversation: The Youth Commission used a range of tools to gather, and record the views of other young people in different settings. Views were collected through: • Postcards

• Surveys

• Workshops

• Social media

• Website The group members gathered the views of young people at schools, colleges and universities, public events and youth and community groups.

Youth Commission members worked alongside members of the Commissioner’s Performance and Information team to gain a qualitative understanding of the Big Conversation by coding the data and exploring emerging themes across each of the priorities.

Not all responses were coded, some responses may be statements or questions, but those responses that are coded help build the picture of finding the solution.

WHAT ELSE DID WE DO? The group were also consulted by staff in partner agencies and contributed to the Force response to the Serious Violence Strategy.

Members have enjoyed working alongside the Commissioner at a number of events such as; the Southampton Court Day, Hate Crime Third Party Reporting Centre event, Heartstone Odyssey visit and Fareham Youth Conference to name but a few. The Youth Commission appreciates the value and support the Commissioner gives them.

what we did

By coming up with a set of codes that reflect the responses we used this evidence to influence the recommendations for each priority.

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WHO WE REACHED APRIL 2017 TO NOVEMBER 2018

who took part?

5702

face to face engagements

1541

who we reached

responses analysed

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2211

4343

hours volunteered

postcards completed

157

events

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youth commission members

who did we tell One way to engage with our peers is through social media. The Youth Commission has active accounts on Facebook /hantsyouthcommission and Twitter @HantsYC, where audiences can engage in a dialogue with, and follow the activity of, the group.

Regular news updates are given on the Commissioner’s website www. hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/youth-commission. Young people can also give their views on the Youth Commission’s priorities on this site, as well as through a section of the national site www.youthcommission.co.uk.

There are regular media releases issued about Youth Commission’s activities, these have gained good coverage in the local media.

Members have also featured on the radio to ensure their messages are heard much wider. Ryan Dugdale spoke to Heart FM about why unhealthy relationships were a Youth Commission priority, and how we raised flags to highlight this, which Capital South also ran.

Hampshire Constabulary extended their ‘Wildfire’ campaign and called on Bekki Dunn to play the leading role in their new video highlighting a real case regarding sharing nudes.

This year the Big Conversation has not only informed local organisations but national. The Department for Education (DfE) put out a call for evidence to ask young people their views on how relationships and health are, and should be taught in schools. The Youth Commission coded over 500 data entries and enabled key themes to be identified and submitted to the DfE: https://public.tableau.com This consultation acted as a stepping stone to an article being produced and published in the Education and Health Journal, showcasing the work on a national, academic stage http://sheu.org.uk/sheux/EH/eh362nf.pdf.

The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners has also published articles on our work, our Raise a Flag campaign was covered in their Red box briefing and our findings on mental health were referenced to in a blog.

who did we tell

In October 2017 we spoke at the Blagrave Trust conference and are included in this video of the day www.blagravetrust.org/learn-listen-young-peoplelearn-collaborate/. This also led to an article being written about the importance of young people’s involvement in ‘The Civil Society Futures Enquiry’ https://civilsocietyfutures.org/learn-listen-learn-collaborate/.

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Priority 1 - Hate Crime OUR AIMS WERE TO: • Raise awareness of what a hate crime is and how to report it • Educate young people on the effects of hate crime and understanding and accepting difference • Work in partnership with the services and to promote their resources “Hate crime is a crucial issue in nowadays society, or should I say in nowadays world? As a foreign student I am able to identify not only the differences but also the similarities between countries and cultures. We are all human beings and victims of our own emotions and feelings like envy, hostility,… hatred.

You can see it in Europe, America and all around you. Therefore you start asking yourself, “is that the society you would like to live in and be part of, or perhaps see your children grow in?”

As a Youth Commissioner I am able to tackle that issue by engaging with young people and gathering new ideas on how we can shape a better system to reduce hate crime. We have conducted our own survey regarding the reporting of the topic, which helps us offer and work on new solutions to the found problems. We also took part in Pride festival, supporting the stance against discrimination and violence. Additionally, during my volunteering year I attended lots of events such as a prejudicial language meeting with the campaign’s partners, in terms of the rights and diversity in education. We were able to discuss the underlying issues within younger generations based on our findings and apply new action strategies.

I believe as part of the Youth Commission I am able to make a difference and help someone’s future even by raising awareness of the matter…, or as Mahatma Gandhi said “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

priority 1 - hate crime

Tsvetelina Yordanova, 20

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ACTIONS Members; • Surveyed 1000 young people on their views regarding reporting hate crime • Visited Unity 101’s play on hate crime, and paraded at Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s Pride events • Sat on the OPCC hate crime strategy and third party hate crime reporting centre groups, giving feedback from a young person’s perspective • Reviewed the national hate crime reporting app and webpage, met with the Chief Constable and wrote to True Vision to discuss findings of the review • Devised and delivered workshops to young people during hate crime awareness week • Responded to the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel’s (PCP) request for evidence on hate crime for their proactive scrutiny session

BIG CONVERSATION FINDINGS 15 PERCENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE WE SPOKE TO SAID THIS WAS THEIR TOP PRIORITY Most young people don’t know what a hate crime is and how to report it or what to do about it. Hate crime was often underrated, overlooked and not reported. The incidents experienced have damaged young people’s selfconfidence, sense of self and the feeling of belonging in the victim.

Young people did not feel educated enough, and that hate crime is not explained enough at a younger age.

Results from the survey carried out with 1000 young people said they prefer to report a hate crime face to face rather than via a website or an app. In the survey, 58% of participants said they would prefer to report hate crime to a person, compared with only 10% who said they would prefer to report a hate crime via an app. 18% preferred reporting via email and 14% via a website and were most likely to report a hate crime that occurred against a family member or friend.

Young people advocated a restorative style, saying offenders should be shown that their victims are real people with feelings, and there were consequences to their actions. They also felt serious hate crimes and incidents should be punished accordingly.

VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES “As an ethnic minority and a foreign national, I am regularly subject to racial comments, most out of ignorance but at times I have felt threatened” “I have experienced homophobic and racist comments from family and peers, sometimes unintentional – they are not aware their words are unkind” “Since the referendum, racist actions and bigotry have been commonplace.

At school racist terms and slurs have been common”

SOLUTIONS FROM YOUNG PEOPLE “Set up support anti-bullying/ equality committees in schools, colleges and universities, make LGBT+ sex ed part of primary/ secondary school curriculum to normalise relationships” “Increase punishment for hate crime and also teach people about it in schools, people learn about cyber bullying and the consequences but hardly ever about hate crime” “Better education about religion i.e. not all Muslims are terrorists” “Create You Tube adverts about hate crime – a campaign”

priority 1 - hate crime

“I have seen friends that are disabled who have been made fun of”

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YOUTH COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS 1) AWARENESS Use media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube adverts) to promote hate crime seminars, events and workshops in schools, youth clubs and introduce extra curriculum activities, such as equality committees.

2) SUPPORT Have a well-advertised support system in schools, colleges and universities, which will not only help young people’s wellbeing but also increase confidentiality in reporting. The person needs to be external i.e. counsellor, psychologist, therapist, not a teacher.

Ensure those support systems are accessible for those not in education, training and employment.

3) EDUCATION Educate people on what a hate crime is, what their rights are and what they can do to report it. Utilise a menu of tools including workshops, assemblies, videos, roleplay and engaging activities such as Kahoot.

4) CONSEQUENCES There needs to be proactive long-term programmes for people who commit hate crimes. Those young people who have displayed criminal behaviour due to hate should volunteer within their community and immerse themselves in a diverse environment, in addition to attending a restorative session with their victim and any out of court disposals.

priority 1 - hate crime

5) DIVERSITY CHARTER

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Create an education charter based on diversity. Educational establishments would be awarded this charter when they have demonstrated that they have actively created an inclusive environment, have clear reporting mechanisms and robust methods of dealing with hate incidents.

“The National Police Chiefs’ Council will refresh the True Vision reporting website this year, with support from the Home Office, to maximise new technologies to further improve user experience of the site” The Home Office Action Against Hate plan

MORE ABOUT YOUTH COMMISSION MEMBER MANDY RATCLIFF, 21 I first joined the Youth Commission in spring of 2016. I would have never expected how much being a member would change my life back then, but in retrospect, everything the team stands for is bound to affect all the members, staff, and volunteers in one way or the other.

I had volunteered in the past, but never with something so relevant to my profession and so tightly knit with my passion of helping young members of my community.

Raising awareness on so many important issues and trying to make a difference by giving my peers a say in what is happening in our community has been an amazing opportunity for me, not only in terms of professional experience, but in terms of personal development. I can truly say that the people I have met, have now become my friends for life, and the people that I’ve helped or presented to have made an impact in my thought process and decision making. Not too long ago, I would have never thought that volunteering could be so fulfilling. Not only has my perception changed on approaching or been approached by peers, charities, other volunteering organisations, and professional bodies, but I can without a shadow of a doubt say that I have gained more than I bargained for; compassion, empathy, team spirit, leadership skills, confidence, understanding, but most importantly, something I never even imagined I would: a family.

priority 1 - hate crime

In the span of two years I had familiarised myself with topics such as Mental Health, Hate Crime, Substance Misuse, Relationship with Authorities, Cyber Safety, and Unhealthy Relationships, met people from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, as well as the Commissioner himself and taken part in countless workshops, fayres, trainings, and award ceremonies. I have had the pleasure of delivering many presentations in all of the topics mentioned above, of helping create a campaign on one of those topics and see it spread and delivered across the county, of being awarded as part of a team and individually for the commitment to volunteering, of meeting young offenders and minority groups, of working with young cadets, and presenting our work to youth clubs, colleges, universities, and schools.

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Priority 2 - unhealthy relationships OUR AIMS WERE TO: • Ensure young people understand that unhealthy relationships can happen in any, and all different types of relationships • Inform professionals how services for young people in an unhealthy relationship could be improved with a view to influencing commissioning and service development decisions • Highlight the healthy and unhealthy elements of a relationship and encourage those experiencing the unhealthy to know the red flag/ warning signs and Raise a Flag to get help and support

priority 2 - unhealthy relationships

• Help perpetrators to recognise the signs that they are displaying and access help

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“It is essential that the Youth Commission focus on unhealthy relationships as they have a colossal impact on everybody - from members of the public to members of the Youth Commission itself. We have researched and received much training on this subject, and as a result have been able to deliver many workshops and resources to young people and partners across Hampshire.

I believe that we have made a difference (whether big or small), and I look forward to helping more people in the months to come.”

Faith Adams-Wright, 17

ACTIONS The group created an innovative Raise a Flag campaign to address all of the aims. This campaign had many threads and reached approximately 10 million people.

Members; • Provided a webpage that signposted to organisations who can provide support for both victims and perpetrators www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/ flag • Designed and printed bags with Raise a Flag messaging on, and which contained partner’s leaflets which have been distributed to hundreds of young people • Designed a workshop plan and delivered to hundreds of young people • Delivered a talk to 200+ professionals at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Safeguarding Board conference, and trained 45 professionals at a Safer North Hampshire event on the do’s and don’ts of working with a victim of domestic abuse • Recorded and published an adapted ‘12 days of Christmas’ song on social media, highlighting the signs of an unhealthy relationship • Released a Valentine’s Day video on social media about coercive control • Recorded and distributed a training video of a survivor’s experience of services and feedback on do’s and don’ts • Attended a ‘March for Women’ event in London

• Responded to a Government consultation on how to improve Relationships and Sex Education and Personal Social, Health and Economic (PHSE) education utilising the responses from the Big Conversation • Raised a large flag at 14 locations with senior officials who publically showed their support for the campaign • Printed beer mats that were distributed by the licensing team to pubs who had a younger, more rowdy cliental, signposting to the campaign website

BIG CONVERSATION FINDINGS 13 PERCENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE WE SPOKE TO SAID THIS WAS THEIR TOP PRIORITY 1 in 5 young people have either personally been in an unhealthy relationship or know someone who has.

Young people didn't know or were too scared to ask for help or support to get themselves out of the relationship.

Unhealthy relationships are not just about domestic violence, it can be controlling behaviour and emotional abuse to. Unhealthy relationships do not just happen between partners, it can also be between family members.

Young people reported that relationships are very public and need to go fast or their peer group get involved. This can cause friendship groups to fray.

Boys said they feel pressured to have lots of partners and show off what they've done but girls are deemed easy if they do the same.

VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES “I think it is an issue that many do not talk about and should. I know people who have felt trapped in unhealthy relationships because they had no one unbiased to discuss it with” “I had an extremely manipulative ex-boyfriend but did not realise until the relationship ended. I did not recognise the signs” “It is very serious but not always taken seriously, people need educating on the signs of an unhealthy relationship and the impact they can have. Idea of a psycho girlfriend and controlling boyfriend perpetrator on social media is damaging” “Not enough online support for young people to gain advice. Most is more serious/once things have developed (refuge, injunction order etc)”

SOLUTIONS FROM YOUNG PEOPLE “Talk to family and friends if you are involved or know someone who is involved, ask for advice and help and what should/could be done. There will always be someone there to help and there are loads more people out there who are in the same position as you.”

“Get people who have experienced these issues to do talks so they can show

priority 2 - unhealthy relationships

People who are in unhealthy relationships feel alone and that there is nobody to turn to. Also they didn't have the awareness of being in an unhealthy relationship until it was too late which made them feel trapped.

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you are not alone and not the only one experiencing it.”

“Educating, in citizenship classes at school about the different types of abusive behaviours, how to spot them and what to do. Not just violence but controlling behaviour, emotional abuse and about rape in relationships.”

“Education most importantly educate those in secondary school, college and uni as these are ages of discovery, alert people to signs and impact of relationships (gay, straight, platonic, family etc) and give advice on what to do. This could be going in and talking to them, take to social media to have stories and provide help, posters in public places etc. Cater as much to boys and girls, as media tends to put boys down in this aspect by saying they are weak if they are abused.”

YOUTH COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS

priority 2 - unhealthy relationships

1) OPPORTUNITY TO TALK There should be an obvious and accessible opportunity to talk for the people in an unhealthy relationship. This can be through online support e.g. helplines, where people would be anonymous if they want to be. Young people might want help but not report it and have the issue escalate out of their own hands where they feel they are not in control of the situation.

Some people may not be comfortable in going directly to the police or may not think their issue is serious enough, so third party reporting via services opens up a line of comfortable communication.

2) SPOTTING THE SIGNS There should be more information available and highlighted on how to spot the signs of an unhealthy relationship. For example, the Youth Commission promoted the Raise a Flag campaign through marches and also had messages on beer mats during the World Cup (where the BBC did report a rise in the overall levels of domestic abuse mainly due to alcohol). However, these signs are not just for the person in an unhealthy relationship, they are also in recognising the signs in someone else e.g. family and friends.

3) AWARENESS THROUGH EDUCATION General awareness and educating young people is a key idea we need to carry forward. Schools need to give a workshop on unhealthy relationships, our workshop packs and activities are available to use. Youth organisations can also offer sessions on this topic.

However this is not just in terms of educating young people, teachers also need to be educated on how to spot the signs of an unhealthy relationship in young people, as well as some police officers, in how to correctly handle an unhealthy relationship related situation.

4) UPDATING SERVICES AND SHARING INFORMATION Innovate ways of getting information across. Updating services to be online to provide a degree of anonymity and share methods of communication and campaigns between services. However, these services also have to be discreet.

Messages on posters on toilet doors and around supermarket aisles could

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be effective as not too obvious and in a non-conspicuous environment.

Furthermore, sharing ideas and resources between services could also be beneficial. This could be in ways to effectively educate young adults or helping to promote campaigns.

Photos from "Raise a Flag" campaign

priority 2 - unhealthy relationships

“The Raise a Flag Campaign has been very worthwhile and impactful, and Victim Support were pleased to work with the Youth Commission in such an important campaign. It has helped to increase awareness of unhealthy relationships, and to enable young people to recognise the signs and find support from partner organisations such as the Victim Care Service should they need it�.

Sarah Woods, Victim Support

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MORE ABOUT YOUTH COMMISSION MEMBER JULIA ANGELES, 18

priority 2 - unhealthy relationships

It has been an absolute privilege to be part of the Youth Commission this year.

Since joining, I have not only grown as a person through developing my teamwork and communication skills, but I have also met so many people that I would never have crossed paths with otherwise. Initially I signed up because of my own experiences with unhealthy relationships during my childhood, but the work I have done has given me the opportunity to actually help people who are in a position that was similar to my own. The Youth Commission’s work in our community has real world effects, such as the reaching of over 10 million people with our #RaiseAFlag Campaign against unhealthy relationships, which I want to carry on into the future.

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In June I attended the North East Hampshire Domestic Abuse Forum and spoke in-front of 40 police officers, psychologists and social workers on the topic of Teenage Dating Abuse in regards to dating apps. Social media is becoming more and more integrated into our society as a whole and it is vitally important that we start to recognise the potential effects it could have on our relationships. It was an honour to give advice on this issue and I developed my own presentation skills as a result.

In addition to this, I have marched in London with the Million Women Rise Campaign that aims to end violence against women. I brought our own red flag to join the many others in support of women's rights.

The Youth Commission means that the future is a little brighter for many young people in our community which is unbeatable.

WE ACHIEVED:

Raising awareness of what an unhealthy relationship looks like, encouraging those who are in one to see the warning signs and ‘raise a flag’ to get support.

Along with seeking to improve how professionals work with and support young people who come to them for help.

Over 24 partners supported the campaign. This helped us to inform professionals how services for young people in an unhealthy relationship could be improved, with a view to influencing commissioning and service development decisions.

Submitting a response to a call by Government for the views of parents, education professionals, and young people on how to improve Relationships and Sex Education and Personal Social, Health and Economic (PHSE) education.

priority 2 - unhealthy relationships

WE TOLD: Through various events we were able to interact with over 4,000 people, along with getting the chance to consult with 250 professionals. We also got over 19,000 video views from the campaign and were able to effectively communicate the message to a vast audience.

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Priority 3 - mental health OUR AIMS WERE TO: • Signpost young people to early support • Normalise, and reduce the stigma of, mental health • Work in partnership with the services and to promote resources “After 45% of our Big Conversation respondents picked mental health as their priority in 2016, it remained a popular priority as part of our Big Conversation throughout 2017/18. It is important that we have carried on raising awareness, reducing the stigma around mental health encouraging young people to ‘talk about it’ including exploring famous figures who have experienced mental health. The Youth Commission has shared those voices from other young people to help improve services provided to them. We have managed to learn a lot about mental health from young people through our Big Conversation cards and sharing those voices with professionals in helping shape the services provided to young people. We have had a great opportunity to work alongside an organisation popular with young people CAMHS to create mental health posters for schools. We have also helped design pocket sized A-Z coping strategies for ‘one’ of those days. The exciting thing is we launched our ‘Draw a line through Stigma’ campaign, which encourages young people to interpret mental health based on their understanding of the phrase.”

Marcia Tanyanyiwa, 22

priority 3 - mental health

ACTIONS

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Members; Sat on the mental health transformation board and a mental health grants panel • Took part in the record breaking attempt for the world’s longest bunting, attended Fit Fest events, and other mental health awareness events such as the Everybody conference and carried out research • Worked with Hampshire CAMHS to jointly produce and distribute posters with self-help contact details on to Hampshire secondary schools, colleges, GP surgeries, CAMHS clinics and public areas as well as an A-Z of coping strategies for Hampshire primary schools • Launched the ‘draw a line through stigma competition’ • Contributed to Healthwatch Hampshire’s united communities programme

BIG CONVERSATION FINDINGS 55 PERCENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE WE SPOKE TO SAID THIS WAS THEIR TOP PRIORITY 1 in 4 young people knew either a family member or a friend who has mental health issues. Of those, 1 in 9 told us they become personally impacted by this and this can lead to mental health issues developing.

The general feeling was that there is a lack of support, awareness, knowledge, equal opportunity and prevention around mental health issues within schools. Particularly in regards to individual support systems.

Young people said there should be more understanding about the difference between positive mental health and negative mental health issues, recognising mental health on a spectrum and to not stigmatise those with mental health issues.

VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES “It is not a weakness it is part of me” “It effects more than just the person dealing with the issue” “I’ve struggled with Asperger’s, I’ve been told girls can’t have it” “Too many kids are left feeling like they don’t matter” “If you have a family with mental health issues it can create a very hectic home life”

SOLUTIONS FROM YOUNG PEOPLE “Learn how to help other” “More communication” “More funding” “Teaching at a young age” “More training for educators to see the subtle signs”

1) INFORMING EDUCATORS There should be training for educators on spotting subtle signs of mental health issues and training for supporting these issues, as well as a focus on building resilience around mental health.

2) PREVENTION Focusing and promoting good mental health in schools is important.

Hold drop-in sessions with a mental health specialist coming into school, supporting any referrals that are needed, especially for children in care.

Encouraging and promoting positively around good mental health and happiness. Put more focus on mental health awareness day i.e. badges/ wristbands/non uniform, donation to mental health charities. Have self harm awareness days.

3) AWARENESS Distinguishing between ‘healthy’ mental health and having a mental health illness. Recognising the point where ‘normal’ levels of stress/sadness/anxiety get out of hand and become a bigger issue. A certain level of stress around exams is expected, yet avoiding school is outside of what is normal and that should be addressed.

priority 3 - mental health

YOUTH COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS

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4) SUPPORT SYSTEM 1 in every 9 responses said they were effected by someone else’s mental health i.e. family or friends. In some cases this led to the development of own mental health issues. Providing a drop-in service for young people in high streets, or home visits with other young people who have been through the experience (self lived), where they could chat about things that worried them and where they can get to know the people running the service.

For someone to be available to talk to between the referral to CAMHS and the first appointment, ‘they could be like a bridge and help you at the first CAMHS meeting’.

5) PEER MENTOR PROGRAMME Establish a peer mentor programme, where mentors are trained and accredited to lead group discussions on mental health and wellbeing. Some schools have wellbeing officers who help drive this agenda.

priority 3 - mental health

“Hampshire CAMHS welcome opportunities to collaborate with other relevant colleagues and organisations as we believe so many things contribute to the emotional and psychological health of young people. It is always a pleasure and a productive outcome when we do so with the PCC Youth Commission.

2018 has been no different with two fabulous outcomes that have made a real impact. Together we produced a signposting poster for secondary schools and a self-help leaflet for primary aged young people. These resources have been very well received and used, and the amazing demand and feedback for these has continued. Hampshire CAMHS look forward for more joint opportunities to work together for the benefit of all young people in Hampshire”.

Helen Dove, Innovation & Participation Lead, Hampshire CAMHS

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MORE ABOUT YOUTH COMMISSION MEMBER SOPHIE ROBINSON, 23 I joined the Youth Commission to give a voice to young people within the local community; aiming to make a real difference to the lives of local people. Being a part of the Youth Commission gives me a platform to represent young people and to inform professionals to instigate real change, through engagement and opportunities.

Since joining the Youth Commission, I have worked with local support services to inspire shared purpose and implement interventions, being actively involved with the Big Conversation postcards, working with Hampshire CAMHS at FitFest, HANTS eating disorder team professional conference and Isle of Wight Pride. In addition, I have been a part of several campaigns to raise awareness including ‘Draw a line through Stigma’ and the ‘Everybody Campaign’. By being a part of the Youth Commission, I have been able to network with professionals, seeking collaborative work and gaining understanding of the importance of a multi-dimensional relationship with support services.

I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the Youth Commission, gaining friends and working with like-minded, passionate young people. By being a part of the Youth Commission I have been a part of creating invaluable change, learning and understanding. I am very much looking forward to continuing to contribute to the work. Over the next year, the mental health priority aims to focus on the promotion of positive mental health and exploring a ‘toolkit’ of methods to improve mental health and the importance of mental health ambassadors within schools.

priority 3 - mental health

As a member of the priority focusing on mental health, the work I conduct revolves around contributing to increasing awareness, reducing stigma and bringing about change to mental health within society. This is done by focusing on preventing mental health issues (understanding, awareness and spotting signs and symptoms), whether this be through campaigns, policy change, interventions or education on mental health within schools. By increasing discussion amongst young people, the priority aims to have a positive impact on improving the lives of young people.

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Priority 4 - cyber safety OUR AIMS WERE TO: • Enable young people to use the internet safely and understand the consequences of actions • Signpost young people to help and support • Pilot the Cyber Ambassador scheme • Widen the reach of the existing GoFISH (go find internet safety help) campaign “'Technology is all around us - digital natives of today - the young people who grow up with phones, social media and connectivity - need to be supported to be savvy, safe and resilient in a virtual world. The Cyber Ambassador scheme has linked technical and social advice from organisations with school children (the experts of the trends and goings on of their online lives) who can then teach their peers and talk with their parents- increasing transparency in what can sometimes be an elusive thing of the 'internet' - it has allowed young people to be in control of how they live online.”

Alison Romaine, 19

ACTIONS Members;

priority 4 - cyber safety

• Contributed to the planning for Hampshire Children’s Safeguarding boards cyber training package for teachers and professionals

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• Represented the Youth Commission on the Force Cyber Prevent and Protect Board • Wrote a Cyber Ambassador training programme, invited schools to be a part of a pilot scheme, ran training sessions for students from seven secondary and ten primary schools, and held an evaluation event with them on Internet Safety day • Ran a cyber stall at the Young Carers event, delivered a cyber workshop at Fareham Youth Conference and were panel members at Eastleigh’s Cyber Youth Conference • Created a social media cyber safety themed advent calendar • Gave feedback for Portsmouth University Cyber clinic questionnaire • Spoke to teachers and professionals at a county cyber protect conference

BIG CONVERSATION FINDINGS 17 PERCENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE WE SPOKE TO SAID THIS WAS THEIR TOP PRIORITY “Nearly everyone uses social media these days to keep up with friends and family, and it's important to stay safe while doing so. We hear the generic talk from our schools and parents about "stranger dangers" almost every

year, but our Big Conversation responses have told us that we aren't taught some of the key things we need to know. We've identified that we need to know more about laws regarding our online usage, fraud, sexting and catfishing, and that it's not just children who should learn this - adults too, since they are just as vulnerable. We also need to use social media "healthily", and this can be done by using it safely (through our education of the key issues mentioned earlier) as well as reducing pressures to constantly keep our accounts updated, just to impress others” Sarah Arnold, 15

VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES “The internet is a growing phenomenon, making young people use it. They are vulnerable to abuse and manipulation so safety is paramount.”

“The Cyber Ambassadors are a good idea for people with cyber difficulties to have someone to speak to” “My older sister and I were bullied online because of our disabilities” “All my friends have snapchat, so I got it too. It can destroy a lot of your confidence and make you feel you are alone” “Laws in terms of online abuse, fraud and data theft are nowhere near up to date”

SOLUTIONS SUGGESTED BY YOUNG PEOPLE “Terms and conditions are far too long, they need to be shorter so we can read and understand our rights”

“To try and provide more help for vulnerable people to become more adapt in using the internet, like free lessons on how to use computers” “Awareness programmes for parents and older siblings”

YOUTH COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS 1) AWARENESS OF LEGISLATION Educate children and young people so they are aware of the laws and regulations that surround usage of online platforms, this should include simpler and clearer terms and conditions, information on their rights when dealing with an issue and the consequences of violating them.

2) EDUCATION Provide support and guidance to children of all ages about cyber bullying, but focusing on other, less touched on issues such as fraud, grooming, sexting and catfishing. This can be done through real life case study examples, virtual scenarios, interactive workshops and utilising our cyber ambassador scheme.

priority 4 - cyber safety

“We need to educate young people on how prominent cybercrime is and how to stay safe whilst online by going to schools and doing talks to people who are not in education”

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3) EDUCATING ADULTS Teach adults about how to be aware of the signs of cyber issues and how to deal with them for themselves, as well as their children and more vulnerable members of the community. This can be done via online tutorials or by their children.

4) PROMOTION OF HEALTHY SOCIAL MEDIA USE Promote a healthy way of using social media and sharing data which is respectful and tolerant. Young people can feel unconfident on social media where everyone else's lives seem so "perfect". Show teenagers that they don't have to feel pressured into posting about their lives on social media and that it isn't an expectation that we should have to live up to.

CASE STUDY: CYBER AMBASSADORS SCHEME, PORTSMOUTH HIGH An area of innovation and good practice was demonstrated by Portsmouth High and their implementation of the Cyber Ambassadors scheme. Cyber Ambassadors recognised the environmental learning needs of their peers, with the support of teaching staff, Cyber Ambassadors at Sixth Form level took to educating peers without teachers present, to enable those attending to be open and gain the trust of their Cyber Ambassadors.

priority 4 - cyber safety

Cyber Ambassadors took it upon themselves to develop their own materials, to make them more relevant and build upon the themes identified for cyber awareness at a Secondary level reflecting the emerging trends developing with online use among young people today.

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A focus group held following an observation of the Cyber Ambassadors scheme highlighted the rapid pace of social media use. Portsmouth High took every step to embed the scheme within their educational setting, the creativity of their Cyber Ambassadors highlights the potential in delivery of the scheme.

MORE ABOUT YOUTH COMMISSION MEMBER VICKY KENDALL-WEISS, 15 Hi! I started in the Youth Commission a year ago, age 14. When I applied to become a member, I didn’t know what to expect. I had picked up a flyer at school and I thought I would give it a go, it seemed like a good concept and great for my CV. When I came for my interview it was clear I was one of the youngest but luckily that didn’t bother me too much, it wasn’t that different from school. Oh, how I was wrong!

After a year being a member of the Youth Commission, I can truly say it is one of the most worthwhile opportunities I have ever partaken in and I enjoy every event I do.

Youth Commission isn’t just something to say in interviews or a hobby on your CV, (even though it is good to drop into conversation once in a while!) it is an opportunity to have a voice in real issues affecting you and your peers' lives. It is a chance to identify, create and educate things that matter to you and that will matter to others.

I am proud to speak to others about my Youth Commission journey and I am always trying to find more ways to join in.

priority 4 - cyber safety

In joining, I have met 40 young, brilliant minds from a wide range of ages (14-25) that I’m not afraid to talk to. Most importantly, the Youth Commission can boost your confidence in a way that finds you standing in front of an audience of year 7’s and 8’s presenting a half an hour workshop on global pride month!

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Celebrations The Youth Commission has had another record breaking year hearing the views, experiences and most importantly, solutions from their peers.

These conversations give us up to date and current on the ground opinions, meaning that we can respond to the needs as and when they arise.

New and exciting campaigns; Raise a Flag, Educate Don’t Hate and Draw a Line through Stigma have been developed and delivered, reaching millions of people, but it doesn’t have to stop there. Partners can use our materials to grow and reach even more people, ensuring these important messages designed by young people for young people continue to be heard.

A recommendation from our previous report, Cyber Ambassadors, have been piloted into primary and secondary schools and an evaluation report written by the OPCCs Performance and Information team concluded the scheme a success. Funding has been secured to employ a coordinator to roll out the scheme to more schools.

For the second year in a row the most important priority for young people was mental health. Young people felt this impacted on all of the other priorities.

Therefore with Hampshire CAMHS we have collaboratively produced two posters with signposting information to services who can help young people’s wellbeing and an A-Z of coping strategies delivered to every pupil in years 4, 5 and 6 across Hampshire.

A collaborative approach, working with partners and listening to the views of over 4400 young people captured in these recommendations is key to ensuring design of resources and campaigns, the delivery of training, the commissioning of services and the planning of projects is fit for purpose.

This work has recognised by the Lord Ferrers Awards who awarded Hampshire and Isle of Wight Youth Commission runners up in the OPCC Volunteer Award.

Celebrations

As the Youth Commission embarks on a new year with new members it remains committed to gathering the views of young people, raising awareness and working with partners such as Hampshire Constabulary, to improve the community we live in and to make people safer.

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“Working with the young people in the Youth Commission is inspiring and enjoyable. It reinforces my belief that young people can achieve anything. I am immensely proud of the progress they’ve made and the personal issues they’ve overcome”

Celebrations

LYNNE MEECHAN, YOUTH COMMISSION PROJECT OFFICER

The Youth Commission’s next steps • Recruitment of a new cohort pan Hampshire and Isle of Wight • Focus on three priorities, each with a clear campaign or focal event and one option for young people to tell us about their own priority • Research the views of a variety of young people on these priorities • To code the Big Conversation responses as they come in to enable us to respond immediately to themes and feedback • Ensure the information gathered from the Big Conversation not only influences a local level but regional and national too • Continue to input and support the implementation of the recommendations in this, and previous reports • Share the information from these findings with those who can support and implement them • Work closely with partners and stakeholders to widen the campaigns to even more young people

Next steps

• Support the establishment of young ambassadors and mentors in schools

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OPCC VOLUNTEER CASEY TAYLOR, 26 “Being involved in the Youth Commission is really rewarding, since joining in July 2013 it has changed my views dramatically.

Working my way up through the ranks; member, mentor, Youth Commission volunteer and now an official volunteer for the OPPC has helped me learn and develop new skills. It is amazing to watch the members and mentors come up with brilliant new ideas to keep the Youth Commission moving forward in the positive direction that it is. It is a good feeling to support them with their ideas to enable them to get the best possible outcome.

Seeing the enthusiasm and dedication of the members rubbing off on each other is great because it is enabling us to do what we do best, which is what the Youth Commission is all about and that is giving young people a voice. I and all the Youth Commission members are passionate about this; this is why I’m still around and actively involved five years later. It is a real privilege and honour to continue to be involved in this brilliant opportunity and supporting others during their time on the Youth Commission”

Next steps

INSPECTOR LISA STEVENS, HAMPSHIRE CONSTABULARY

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”Once again Hampshire Constabulary has had a positive interaction with the Youth Commission supporting their work and campaigns, in particular the ‘Raise a Flag’ campaign in support of healthy relationships and the Youth Cyber Ambassador Scheme.

There has also been support from the Youth Commission regarding the Constabulary’s ‘Wildfire’ campaign which raises the pitfalls of sexting to young people. This type of partnership working brings together the voice of young people across a broad range of topic areas and we look forward to the continued joint working in the forthcoming year”

Our partners We are grateful to the following organisations for their support; • Age UK IOW

• Mill Chase School

• Active Communities Network

• Motiv8

• Aldershot Town FC

• Newchurch Primary School

• Basingstoke College of Technology

• Nettlestone Primary School • North East Hants Domestic Abuse Forum

• Blagrave Trust

• Pilgrims' Cross Church of England Primary School (Aided)

• Bosmere School

• Pompey in the Community

• Cowes Primary School

• Portsmouth High School

• Farnborough College of Technology

• Portsmouth City Council Children in Care Team

• Fit Fest

• Portsmouth High School

• Gosport Community Safety Partnership

• Portsmouth University

• Guiding Association • Halterworth Primary School • Hampshire CAMHS • Hampshire Children’s Safeguarding Board • Hampshire Community engagement board • Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service • Hampshire Constabulary • Hampshire County Council Children in Care Team • Hampshire Pride • Havant Borough Council • Havant and Waterlooville FC • Healthwatch Hampshire • Isle of Wight College • Isle of Wight Council, Children in Care Team

• Portsmouth Youth Offending Team • Prince’s Trust; Basingstoke Gosport, New Forest and Southampton teams • Purbrook Park School • Queen Marys College • Rock Challenge • Rock Clothing • Safe Date • Scout association • SEROCU • Sherfield School • Southampton City Council Children in Care Team • Southampton Children’s Safeguarding Board • Southern Domestic Abuse Service • Southampton University

• Isle of Wight Pride

• Southampton Solent University

• John Hanson School

• Southampton Youth Offending Team

• Leaders Unlocked • Medstead Primary

Our partners

• Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

• Stacey Miller Consultancy 37

• Totton and Eling AFC

• Winchester University

• Unloc

• Westgate School

• Victim Support

• Wildern School

• Vigo Primary School

• Yellow Door

• Volunteer Police Cadets

• YServices for Young People

Our partners

And appreciation to staff at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner

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CONTACT US IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE YOUTH COMMISSION OR REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN BECOMING A MEMBER PLEASE CONTACT: EMAIL: OPCC@HAMPSHIRE.PNN.POLICE.UK TEL: 01962 871 595

HantsYouthCommission

@HantsYC

@HantsYC

Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton

contact us

St. George’s Chambers St. George’s Street Winchester Hampshire SO23 8AJ

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giving young people a voice join the conversation www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk