Agenda item

4.1

The Youth Voice and Influence Officer, Emma Hinchcliffe and The Youth Voice and Influence Manager, Sarah Stevens gave a presentation to the Local Area Committee.

4.2

Emma Hinchliffe explained that Sheffield Youth Cabinet intended on attending the Local Area Committee meeting, although unfortunately were unable to make it.

4.3

Emma Hinchcliffe explained that Sheffield Youth Service supported and empowered young people to shape, lead and produce their own activities and programs They also ensured that they had the mechanisms in place to support young people to be involved in decision making at all levels.

4.4

Emma Hinchcliffe informed the Committee that the Youth Cabinet was made up of Elected Youth Councilors, UK Youth Parliament Members and various special interest / link seats to enable as many young people as possible to have a voice and influence change. They were elected by their peers once every 2 years to represent them at a local level.

4.5

It was stated that Sheffield had a South Yorkshire Police Young People’s Advisory Group and a Sheffield Youth Cabinet. These 2 groups worked together to create a video on the violence against women and girls’ issue. This video was then shared to the Local Area Committee.

4.6

Following the video, it was mentioned that BBC Radio and Breakfast Show, Hallam FM News, Radio 5 Live and ITV had all taken interest in the issue.

4.7

Councillor Brian Holmshaw mentioned that as Deputy Chair of the Education, Children and Families Policy Committee, it would be beneficial for the Youth Voice and Influence Service to present a similar presentation at that Committee, including representation from young people if possible.

4.8

In response to public question, Sarah Stevens explained that the Youth Voice Service engaged with young people on this issue via through word of mouth, self-referrals and from receiving messaged in their website.

4.9

In response to a public question, Sarah Stevens explained that this project started in March 2021 with a launch on White Ribbon Day in November 2022. Since then, the video had been shared with all the schools in Sheffield. Partners and all new taxi drivers within Sheffield will be shown it as part of their training.

4.10

Sarah Stevens explained that the Deputy Chair of the Committee (Councillor Maleiki Haybe) once was a Youth Advisor for the Youth Voice Service. Therefore, used his career progression as a example of how the service aimed to empower young people.