Farnborough Spencer Academy has teamed up with Nottingham Trent University (NTU), funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, to launch a Youth Leadership Team as part of the Safer Streets Five initiative.
This initiative, which also involves Nottinghamshire Police, is designed to help young people in Clifton share their thoughts and experiences, particularly around how crime and anti-social behaviour impact their lives and communities.
Nottingham Trent University designed and delivered a comprehensive training programme that introduced the Youth Leadership Team to systems thinking and peer listening research techniques. This training prepared them to engage in listening sessions with their peers, gathering insights into what young people in the area are experiencing. In the New Year, the team will compile these findings and present recommendations for change to key community leaders and senior stakeholders.
Sawyer, from Year 8 said: “I really enjoyed working on the group activities and I hope that this project will help improve the community.”
The aim of this project is to empower young people by giving them the tools to take an active role in shaping their community. The initiative aims to develop critical thinking and leadership skills, while also helping participants understand the broader community challenges and explore possible solutions. Most importantly, the project will provide young people with a platform to voice their concerns and make a real difference in addressing issues like crime and anti-social behaviour.
Taylen, from Year 8 said: “I enjoyed the opportunity to work with my peers, it was great experience to work on team building activities. I hope to make the streets safer in Nottingham for all young people.”
This listening campaign is part of a wider effort under the Safer Streets 5 initiative, launched by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, which provides funding towards measures proven to prevent neighbourhood crime, including the roll out of additional CCTV, street lighting, alleygating and improving the security of properties at risk of neighbourhood crime based on needs assessment for burglary hotspot areas and remote locations.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “This project is a vital step in ensuring that the voices of young people in Clifton are heard and acted upon.
“By engaging directly with those who are most affected by crime and antisocial behaviour, we can better understand the challenges they face and work together to create safer, more supportive communities.
“Young people are the future of our city, and their insights are invaluable in shaping a safer environment for everyone. I am committed to ensuring that we listen, learn, and implement real changes based on their experiences.”
The programme kicked off with a two day training programme in early November at Nottingham Trent University’s City Campus, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort aimed at creating positive change in the community and empowering young people to have a voice in shaping the future of their neighbourhoods. Through NTU’s involvement, young people are gaining leadership skills and will be encouraged to see themselves as future leaders and change-makers in their community.
This programme has been developed as part of the wider Clifton Collective Impact Initiative which aims to support sustainable improvements, foster empowerment and create positive change for Clifton’s youth.
Written by Hannah Charlton – [email protected]