by Emmanuel

Keeping children safe from crime is crucial for their well-being and development. Children are vulnerable and need protection from various forms of crime, including physical harm, exploitation, and gang violence. 

I had the amazing opportunity to attend a roundtable discussion with Dame Rachel De Souza, and a diverse group of professionals from the criminal justice system. We had an open dialogue, sharing ideas and strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of young people. Together, we explored ways to address the root causes of crime and create a supportive environment for children to thrive. It was a truly eye-opening experience, and I’m excited to continue working towards keeping our communities safe for all children not just in Leeds, but across the UK.

It was truly inspiring to see everyone’s passion and dedication to making a positive impact for our youth. We also discussed the findings of the Big Ambition, what children have said they wanted and what we want the next government to do as a result of this. The next government should help raise the voices of children and young people by making sure that they are heard and listened too, and also take full accountability and responsibility for the rise in youth crime after the pandemic.

As a Children’s Commissioner Ambassador, I can speak for myself and the other youth ambassadors that we will actively advocate to try prevent knife crime and gang violence from taking a hold of our peers, and that those that have sadly become victims of knife crime will always be remembered.