Sixth Form students presented to Policing Minister in the Home Office

Students from Hartlepool Sixth Form College were invited to the Home Office to meet the Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP.

As part of a “Shape Your Safety: Young Voices” event that took place at Hartlepool Sixth Form, students were offered a vital platform to explore and engage with pressing issues related to crime and personal safety.

Ideas had been generated by our young people as part of this event, tackling challenging topics such as knife crime, online safety, county lines, drug and gang exploitation, and violence against women and girls. The event empowered students to voice their concerns, ask critical questions, and contribute to the dialogue around solutions.

Grace Martindale and Rhys Gleaves, students from Hartlepool Sixth Form College, were able to represent the Sixth Form College and accompany other colleges to London to present the report generated from the event and present to the Policing Minister.

Katie McQuade, Programme Lead for History and Politics at the Sixth Form said: “It was a pleasure to lead on the ‘Shape Your Safety Event’ along with Curriculum Manager Gemma Willis – our students demonstrated the best qualities of Hartlepool, showing respect for each other and the issues at hand.

“Both Grace and Rhys exemplified Hartlepool values when visiting London, showing themselves to be confident, respectful and innovative students with bright futures ahead of them.”

Grace said: “The trip showed me what I learn in my academic subjects in a practical sense – it was interesting and engaging and it empowered youth voice in politics.”

Rhys added: “It was a privilege to tour the Houses of Parliament, gaining a first-hand look at the history and decision-making spaces that shape the country. It was an inspiring experience, especially as a sixth form student interested in how national policy affects young people and local communities.

“It was a really insightful opportunity, and I’m grateful for the invitation and for being listened to as a young voice in these important discussions.”

The visit to London started off as a tour around the Houses of Parliament and then a meeting with the Policing Minister at the Home Office, where students presented their section of the report and had some time with the Minister to question her about her intentions with the report and also more general crime and policing questions.

The event not only enhanced students’ knowledge of safety and crime prevention but also encouraged active citizenship and personal responsibility. It was particularly encouraging to see students expressing ideas for future initiatives and campaigns aimed at promoting safer environments both inside and outside the college.

Jane Reed, Campus Principal added: “We are incredibly proud of our students; they are true changemakers in action, demonstrating the power of young voices to influence positive change in their communities.”

Students worked in groups with their peers and delegated problems to create a centred and direct approach to their problem area. Equally, students were able to benefit from hearing the research and ideas put forth by other groups in their presentations.

Priya Ayton, Engagement Officer at the Police and Crime Commissioners Office, also said: “We were extremely impressed by all the student’s participation in the meeting with the Policing Minister, Sarah Jones MP.

“They communicated their viewpoints clearly and with high levels of professionalism. We were truly astonished by how the students eloquently posed their questions to the Policing Minister.”

For the students, speaking in front of VIP members and sharing problems from a younger point of view allowed their voices to be heard. The presentation of the report showed students that these are not activities with no outcome, but rather their voices and suggestions are important and can lead to tangible solutions.