Young people come together to debate the future of policing

Around 80 young people from across the country came together to reimagine policing in a landmark Hope Hack event.

Five violence reduction units partnered with the Hope Collective, UK Youth, the National Citizen Service, the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, the National Black Police Association, West Midlands Police and the Police Race Action Plan for the landmark event in Coventry.

Hope Hack events provide a platform for young people to debate and come up with solutions to the problems that matter to them. Led and hosted by young people, the events feature panel discussions and performances as well as workshops where young people come up with their proposals for change.

The concept led by the Hope Collective, a partnership of youth organisation formed originally to support the 20th anniversary legacy campaign for Damilola Taylor, has so far hosted more than 30 similar events across the country.

The event in Coventry was the first time Hope Hack focused on a single issue, specifically the future of policing and what young people see as the solutions.

The event saw a keynote talk from Jermaine Jackman, a former winner of BBC talent show The Voice.

Suggestions put forward by the young people included putting more importance on mental health and mutual respect, as well as young people being aware of their rights around stop and search.

Hope Collective Chair, Professor Niven Rennie, said:

“This was the 33rd Hope Hack we have delivered across the UK and we think it’s possibly the most important yet. ‘Hope Hacks’ are youth led events - led by young people for young people. We put young people at the front and centre of the conversation and ask them to define a fairer society.?

Police Race Action Plan programme director T/Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dr Alison Heydari said:

“I am delighted that the plan has been able to support such a positive event and platform for young people to give their views on policing.

The five violence reduction units involved were the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Violence Reduction Network, the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Violence Reduction Partnership, the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership and the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit.

For more information on the Police Race Action Plan please visit the plan's homepage.