Blue light youth conference to be held next week

Around 100 young people from schools across Essex will be given a chance to learn more about the work of the county’s emergency services at a special event.

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex and the Young Essex Assembly are hosting a Blue Light Youth Conference at the Hamptons in Great Baddow on Thursday, January 23rd.

It’s the second time the event has taken place. This year the young people attending will have the opportunity to chat to Roger Hirst, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner on community safety issues as well as learning about topics that matter to them such as human trafficking, hate crime and how to stay safe online.

They will also take part in interactive sessions with the Southend Combat Academy, learn CPR and watch a display from Essex Police dogs Buddy and Holly. They will also meet some of the team from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said:

“This is a really exciting event for us and an excellent opportunity to find out what young people in the county think about their emergency services. At our last event the audience gave us a good insight into how we can all work better together and what they need to know to keep safe from harm.

“Their views really help us to shape our future plans and they ask us some very testing questions!”

The Young Essex Assembly is the youth council for Essex and gives members the opportunity to have an influence on issues affecting young people in the county. Elected members are aged 11 to 19 and mirror the number of county councillors in Essex, with 75 seats representing various parts of the county. Members are in office for a period of two years and, supported by Essex County Council’s Youth Service, are encouraged to campaign for changes they believe will benefit the lives of their peers.

Image: Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, and Tyler from the Young Essex Assembly at the last PFCC Youth Conference.