NICCY acknowledges Include Youth’s work to ‘Make It Right’.
NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, last week congratulated young people from Include Youth, Belfast, for their contribution to NICCY’s ‘Make it Right’ Campaign.
The young people hosted and facilitated an event in November with the Policing Board, which saw young people discuss their views and experiences of policing with a view to recommending issues which require change.
Members of the Policing Board were asked to listen to their opinions and experiences and participate in group discussions.
“I want to congratulate all the young people involved and for their hard work in organising this event,” said Ms Lewsley.
“It is essential that children and young people are listened to, their words are valued and their campaigns be acted upon.
“Also speaking at the event Policing Board Member David Rose said, “As part of its Community Engagement work, the Board recognises the importance of giving young people a meaningful voice on policing issues and to have their say.
“People often forget that many young people, far from being perpetrators of crime, are very often the victims. This event, which is one of a series the Board will be involved in, gave young people a platform to make us aware, through personal experiences, some of the difficulties they face when dealing with the police.”
“Ashleigh, from the Youth Planning Group, said: “This event gave young people like ourselves the opportunity to have our voices heard.”
“It shows that young people want to make a positive contribution and play their part in making positive change”, added Shannen, also from the group.
“NICCY’s ‘Make it Right’ Campaign encourages young people to take action to raise awareness of issues affecting them and to bring these directly to the attention of decision-makers.” said the Children’s Commissioner.
“I encourage other young people to get involved and campaign on some of the issues affecting them and to act now to help make it right for children and young people in Northern Ireland.”
You can learn more about NICCY’s Make It Right campaign and how you can get involved here on the web site.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
- The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People’s job is to promote and safeguard the rights and best interests of children and young people. You can learn more about her job here on the web site.
- A key duty of the Commissioner is to advise Government on issues affecting children and young people. She must also listen to children and young people on carrying out her work. The Make It Right campaign ensures the Commissioner is meeting these two duties, which are contained in Article 7 of the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Northern Ireland) order 2003.