West Sussex Youth Cabinet put forward for national award

The West Sussex Youth Cabinet have been rewarded for their tireless campaigning during lockdown with a nomination for a national award.

The High Sheriff of West Sussex Dr Tim Fooks has put their ‘Tackling knife crime in West Sussex and beyond’ campaign forward for a National Crimebeat Award.

 Youth Cabinet members designed and created a series of posters to deter young people from knife crime, with the support of Sussex Police and West Sussex County Councillors. They have been sent to schools to display and encourage discussion as well as posted on social media.

Dr Fooks said: “I have been greatly impressed by the WSCC Youth Cabinet's poster campaign on knife crime - an issue which has been recognised nationally as one of the most important concerns for young people. The posters are well-designed and thought-provoking so I am delighted to submit them for a National Crimebeat Award. I very much hope they will be successful."

Youth Cabinet Chairperson Daisy Watson-Rumbold said: "The knife crime campaign is very close to the Youth Cabinet's heart. A lot of effort went into formulating the posters, and the positive effects they've had on our communities has made it all worthwhile.

"They serve as a reminder that there are always support provisions available for young people, countywide, and that the youth cabinet is actively representing the youth of West Sussex in every issue. We are immensely proud of both the campaign and the incredible nomination."

Tackling Knife Crime is one of no fewer than eight campaigns the West Sussex Youth Cabinet has continued to champion throughout the pandemic.

The 35 West Sussex Youth Cabinet members are between 14-17 and represent every area of West Sussex, meeting once a month virtually. There are currently vacancies and anyone interested in becoming a youth cabinet member should email Caz.Evans@westsussex.gov.uk

Among the notable recent achievements the Youth Cabinet:

• Hosted a debate on racial inequality with County Councillors and MPs and put on three webinars on the topic
• Helped West Sussex to first place in the UK for the number of votes cast in the 2020 Make Your Mark, an annual national ballot open to all 11-18 year olds to vote on the biggest issues facing young people
• Started a weekly podcast discussing the topics that affect young people, complementing their regular online blog.
• Promoted wellbeing help and resources for their better health awareness campaign
• Worked closely with the council to promote the West Sussex Climate Conversation survey for their environment campaign
• Are working with the council’s education team to engage young people in a review of the way the curriculum is taught
• Are hosting three webinars for their Youth Cabinet Political Engagement Campaign to help young people to learn and understand more about politics.

This was just some of the members attending the racial inequality meeting.