Category: Children and young people

Local student leads rebrand of Commissioner’s office as team boost engagement with Surrey residents

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

A graphic design student at the University of Creative Arts in Farnham has led the design of a brand-new look for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as part of a commitment to expand engagement with communities across Surrey.

22-year old Jack Dunlop from Camberley was chosen to develop his branding concept after taking part in a competition run as part of the Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson’s focus on increasing the opportunities available to children and young people in the county.

During a week-long placement with Akiko Design in Bramley, Jack received expert guidance to bring his vision to life, taking part in project meetings and receiving an iPad Pro and Apple pencil to aid in his future designs.

Over the week he developed valuable skills and an increased confidence to guide and exchange ideas with clients and to progress his design in a limited time.

Jack said: “I love making things visually appealing and always have ideas when I’m out and about for how I can improve the way that shops and other visual communication around me look.

“During my time with Akiko I worked closely with the designers and Commissioner’s team meaning I learned lots about how an original idea is developed through different versions, and about things I didn’t know before such as the different pantone colours to use.

“I got a lot more confident using different tools and joined in the discussions about the wider project, which was really interesting.

“In my last project at university we looked at branding, so it was really rewarding to be able to create real life branding and see that through the whole process. I’m going to be looking for a job in design after my degree so am excited that I’ll be able to talk lots about this experience.”

The brand is unveiled as the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner designate a new pot of funding for community organisations aimed at the safety of children and young people over the next three years.

The specific allocation of a Children and Young People’s Fund follows a £100,000 project with Catch22 to reduce the criminal exploitation of young people established in January, and longer term investments by the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner to increase the support available to children and young people at risk of, or affected by sexual violence.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson said: “It was brilliant to work with Jack and to see him grow in confidence throughout the week with the design agency.

“I am really excited to be able to launch our new branding look based on Jack’s concept and am so pleased that this experience will give him a big boost when he finishes his studies and applies for his dream job.

“We had a number of brilliant entries to our competition from young people all over the county, and we were really impressed by Jack’s submission and the thought he put in to developing his initial concept.

“Including a young person in this process was key for me from the beginning as we extend our reach to children and young people whose voices are important in policing Surrey.

“We’re listening to all residents who say they want us to engage better and more widely and the rebrand is one piece of the work that we are actively progressing to make the Commissioner, myself and the whole office more accessible, including more opportunities to provide feedback and have a say in the performance of Surrey Police.”

Carrie Crosland, Account Manager at Akiko Design said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Jack to our office and to have supported his journey into design.

“We were really impressed with the way in which he worked hard to develop his ideas into a brand package that he should be very proud of and we are pleased that this project reflects the really strong connection that Akiko has with local places, businesses and organisations in Surrey.”

The launch of the new brand will be accompanied by a new and more accessible website designed by Akiko later this year. It follows the introduction of monthly public surgery meetings with Commissioner Lisa Townsend and a new live format of Public Performance and Accountability meetings with Surrey Police that enhances the voice of local residents.

You can find out more about the Commissioner’s priorities for Surrey Police by reading the Police and Crime Plan for 2021-25 or learn more about how the Commissioner monitors the performance of the Force on our Performance and Accountability page.

Competition launched as Commissioner’s Office seeks young person to lead rebrand project

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office has launched a competition inviting young people across Surrey to submit their designs for the Office’s new logo.

The winner of the three-week competition will be offered the opportunity to then work alongside a leading Surrey design agency to bring their idea to life and will receive an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil to support their future journey in design.

The competition is part of the rebrand of the Commissioner’s Office this spring and follows the commitment of Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson to encourage more opportunities for children and young people in Surrey.

A Competition Pack including more information on how to get involved is available here.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who is leading the Office’s focus on children and young people, said: “Myself and the team are really excited to see the valuable contribution that young people in Surrey will bring to this project as we develop our new visual identity.

“Ahead of the publication of the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan in December, we heard from residents, including young people, who said they wanted us to engage better and more widely.

Happy smiling girl in glasses alongside decorative font and iPad and Apple Pencil pop up. Win an iPad Pro and a one week placement tocreate our branding with a leading Surrey design agency. Find out more www.surrey-pcc.gov.uk/design-us

“The competition will offer a fantastic opportunity for one of the brilliant young people in our county to develop highly valued skills in design, while extending our reach to young people whose voices we want to actively include in our plans for Surrey. It also forms a part of the commitment of the Office to strengthen how we communicate with all residents, specifically to grow more awareness of the role of the Commissioner, our partners and Surrey Police in representing their views and creating a safer county.”

The competition will close at midnight on Thursday, 31 March 2022. Entrants must be between the ages of 15 and 25 years old and live in Surrey to take part.

Organisations working with young people in Surrey are encouraged to promote the competition to their networks by downloading a Partner Pack.

Commissioner’s office extends funds to help young people affected by sexual violence

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Nearly half a million pounds in fresh funding to support children and young people at risk of sexual exploitation has been pledged by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey for the next three years.

Grants from the Commissioner’s Victims’ Fund will enable two Surrey organisations to continue vital support for young people to cope and recover from their experiences, and to provide specialist education and advice to guide potential victims away from harmful relationships.

YMCA DownsLink group’s WiSE project will receive a further £240,000 from the Commissioner’s Office between 2022-24 that will fund two specialist workers to provide one-to-one emotional and practical support to up to 40 individuals at risk of or affected by sexual exploitation.

Working closely with other agencies, the service will help extend the age range for those accessing support in Surrey, providing independent support to individuals aged up to 25 years.

Funding is also being provided to Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to sustain the employment of two Independent Child and Young Persons Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (CISVAs) who work closely with children and young people who are affected by sexual violence, including rape.

Working hand in hand with Surrey’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) – they will provide practical support in the immediate aftermath of a crime, help individuals to navigate the criminal justice system and work with agencies to ensure that survivors’ needs are prioritised.

CISVAs play an important role in supporting the mental health of young people affected by crimes such as rape, helping victims to learn coping strategies and manage conditions such as self-harm and depression in order to rebuild their lives.

Funding for both services forms part of the Commissioner’s commitment to prevent harm in Surrey’s communities. This includes reducing violence against women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by sexual offences.

Between April 2021 and March 2022, the Commissioner provided more than £476,000 to organisations supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault. By committing to longer term support for both organisations in 2022, the Commissioner hopes to reduce the vulnerabilities that community services often face due to funding that is short term.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who is leading the Office’s focus on children and young people, said: “We are really pleased to extend this important funding as part of our ongoing work with partners right across the county to prevent exploitation and support the survivors of sexual violence. Protecting people from harm is an important part of our Police and Crime Plan for Surrey and tackling exploitation and sexual violence are some of the key factors to achieving that.

“Both the Commissioner and I are passionate about ensuring the safety and happiness of children and young people across our county.

Whilst it is important to recognise that the vast majority of children and young people in Surrey will grow up happy and healthy, those who are affected by harmful relationships deserve the specialist support that organisations like YMCA DownsLink Group and individuals like CISVAs can provide.”

Rachael Toner, Head of YMCA DownsLink Group’s Youth Information, Advice and Counselling Services & Targeted Services, said: “The grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office enables this vital support for the most vulnerable young people in Surrey to continue at a time when the impact of male violence toward women and girls is being more widely recognised and better understood, and investing in essential support services has never been more needed.

“YMCA WiSE works with under 26-year-olds and creates a safe, non-judgemental space where young people feel listened to and accepted, can start to understand the exploitation they have experienced, start to heal and begin to get their lives back.”

Surrey has the second lowest level of recorded cases of rape per 1000 people. In the year ending December 2021, Surrey Police saw an increase of 20% in reported cases of serious sexual offences compared to the same period in 2020 (324 more cases). This compares to a rise of over 12% of all sexual offences reported to police forces in the year to September 2021.

As part of the Force’s Rape & Serious Sexual Offence Improvement Strategy 2021/22, Surrey Police maintain a dedicated Rape and Serious Offence Investigation Team, supported by a new team of Sexual Offence Liaison Officers established in partnership with the Commissioner’s office.

Anyone who is concerned about a young person or child is encouraged to contact the Surrey Children’s Single Point of Access on 0300 470 9100 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) or at cspa@surreycc.gov.uk. The service is also available out of hours on 01483 517898.

If you have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused and don’t know where to turn, you can find your nearest SARC at www.nhs.uk/SARCs

You can contact Surrey Police using 101, on Surrey Police social media pages or at www.surrey.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Teenager shoes

Police and Crime Commissioner teams up with Catch22 to prevent child exploitation in Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office for Surrey has awarded £100,000 to charity Catch22 to launch a new service for young people at risk of or affected by criminal exploitation in Surrey.

Examples of criminal exploitation include the use of children by ‘county lines’ networks, leading individuals into a cycle of offending that can include homelessness, substance misuse and ill mental health.

The Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund will enable the new development of Catch22’s successful ‘Music To My Ears’ service, using music, film and photography as a way to engage and work with individuals for their safer future.

The service has been commissioned by Guildford and Waverley Clinical Commissioning Group since 2016 focusing on mental health and substance misuse. In this time, the service has supported more than 400 young people and children to improve their wellbeing and reduce their contact with the Criminal Justice System. Over 70% of young people engaged said it helped them to improve their mental health, build their self-esteem and look forward.

Launching in January, the new service will offer a combination of creative workshops and tailored one-to-one support from a named advisor to help individuals to address the root causes of their vulnerability. Focussing on early intervention that recognises the family, health and social factors that can lead to exploitation, the three-year project will increase the number of young people supported away from exploitation by 2025.

Working with the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership that includes the PCC’s Office, aims of the service delivered by Catch22 include entry or re-entry into education or training, improved access to physical and mental health care and reduced contact with the police and other agencies.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who is leading the Office’s focus on children and young people, said: “Myself and the team are thrilled to be working with Catch22 to further enhance the support we offer for young people in Surrey to feel safe, and to be safe.

“Both the Commissioner and I are passionate about ensuring our Plan for Surrey enables a focus on the safety of young people, including recognising the enormous impact that exploitation can have on an individual’s future.

“I am pleased that the new service will build on such extensive work by Catch22 over the last five years, opening up routes for more young people to avoid or leave a situation in which they are being exploited.”

Emma Norman, Assistant Director for Catch22 in the South said: “We’ve seen the success of Music to My Ears again and again and I’m thrilled that commissioner Lisa Townsend recognises the impact of the team’s work on local young people at particular risk of exploitation.

“The last two years have presented a more urgent need for practical, creative interventions for young people. Poor school attendance and online risks have further aggravated much of the risk factors we were seeing pre-pandemic.

“Projects like this enable us to re-engage young people – by boosting their self-esteem and their confidence, young people are encouraged to express themselves and their experiences, all while supported by professionals in a one-to-one setting.

“The Catch22 team address the risk factors – be it the young person’s home, social or health factors – while unlocking the impressive talent we know young people have.”

In the year to February 2021, Surrey Police and partners identified 206 young people at risk of exploitation, of which 14% were already being exploited. It’s important to note that the majority of young people will grow up happy and healthy with no need for intervention from services including Surrey Police.

Signs that a young person might be at risk of exploitation include absence from education, going missing from home, becoming withdrawn or uninterested in usual activities, or new relationships with ‘friends’ who are older.

Anyone who is concerned about a young person or child is encouraged to contact the Surrey Children’s Single Point of Access on 0300 470 9100 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) or at cspa@surreycc.gov.uk. The service is available out of hours on 01483 517898.

You can contact Surrey Police using 101, Surrey Police social media pages or www.surrey.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Teenager shoes

Commissioner’s office to fund dedicated service to protect children from exploitation

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey is looking to fund a dedicated service to work with young people affected by exploitation in the county.

Up to £100,000 is being made available from the Community Safety Fund to support a Surrey organisation that has a proven record of helping young people affected by, or at risk of serious criminal exploitation.

Most exploitation involves the use of children by ‘county lines’ networks that distribute drugs from major cities to local towns and villages.

Signs that a young person might be at risk include absence from education or going missing from home, becoming withdrawn or uninterested in usual activities, or relationships or gifts from new ‘friends’ that are older.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson said: “I’m really passionate about ensuring that our focus in Surrey includes supporting young people to stay safe, and to feel safe.

“That’s why I’m so excited that we’re making new funding available to deliver a dedicated service that will tackle the root causes of exploitation in direct partnership with the individuals affected. If this is an area where your organisation can make a difference – please get in touch.”

In the year to February 2021, Surrey Police and partners identified 206 young people at risk of

exploitation, of which 14% were already experiencing it. The majority of young people will grow up happy and healthy with no intervention from services including Surrey Police.

Focussing on early intervention that recognises the family, health and social factors that can lead to exploitation, the three-year project aims to support over 300 young people.

The successful recipient of the funding will work with young people identified as being at risk of exploitation to tackle the root causes of their vulnerability.

As part of a partnership across Surrey that includes the Commissioner’s Office, they will develop trusted relationships that lead to new opportunities for the individual, such as entry or re-entry into education, or improved access to physical and mental health care.

Interested organisations can find out more here.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson

Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner to help drive fresh impact

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Surrey Police & Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has formally appointed Ellie Vesey-Thompson as her Deputy PCC.

Ellie, who will be the youngest Deputy PCC in the country, will focus on engaging with young people and supporting the PCC on other key priorities informed by Surrey residents and police partners.

She shares PCC Lisa Townsend’s passion to do more to reduce violence against women and girls and ensure the support for all victims of crime is the best it can be.

Ellie has a background in policy, communications and youth engagement, and has worked in both public and private sector roles. Having joined the UK Youth Parliament in her early teens, she is experienced in voicing concerns for young people, and representing others at all levels. Ellie has a degree in Politics and a Graduate Diploma in Law. She has previously worked for the National Citizen Service and her most recent role was in digital design and communications.

The new appointment comes as Lisa, the first female PCC in Surrey, focuses on implementing the vision she outlined during the recent PCC election.

PCC Lisa Townsend said: “Surrey has not had a Deputy PCC since 2016. I have a very broad agenda and Ellie has already been heavily involved across the county.

“We have a lot of important work ahead. I stood on a commitment to make Surrey safer and put local people’s views at the heart of my policing priorities. I was given a clear mandate to do that by the residents of Surrey. I am delighted to bring Ellie on board to help deliver those promises.”

As part of the appointment process, the PCC and Ellie Vesey-Thompson attended a Confirmation Hearing with the Police & Crime Panel where Members were able to ask questions about the candidate and her future work.

The Panel has subsequently made a recommendation to the PCC that Ellie is not appointed to the role. On this point, PCC Lisa Townsend said: “I note with genuine disappointment the recommendation of the Panel. Whilst I do not agree with this conclusion, I have carefully considered the points raised by Members.”

The PCC has provided a written response to the Panel and has reaffirmed her confidence in Ellie to undertake this role.

Lisa said: “Engaging with young people is hugely important and was a key part of my manifesto. Ellie will bring her own experience and perspective to the role.

“I promised to be highly visible and in the coming weeks I will be out and about with Ellie engaging directly with residents on the Police and Crime Plan.”

Deputy PCC Ellie Vesey-Thompson said she was delighted to officially take up the role: “I’ve been hugely impressed by the work the Surrey PCC team is already doing to support Surrey Police and partners.

“I am particularly keen to enhance this work with young people in our county, with both those affected by crime, and with individuals who are already involved, or at risk of becoming involved, in the criminal justice system.”

Fearless for three more years! – PCC extends funding for Crimestoppers youth service in Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The independent charity Crimestoppers youth service ‘Fearless.org’ will continue in Surrey for at least another three years after Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro agreed to extend the funding for its dedicated outreach worker.

Fearless.org offers young people non-judgemental advice so they can make informed decisions about reporting crime and allows them to give information 100% anonymously, using a secure form on the charity’s website.

The Fearless outreach worker Emily Drew actively engages with young people across Surrey and provides education about the consequences of their choices around crime.

That message is reinforced through campaigns that encourage safe and anonymous reporting of issues such as knife and drug crime and those involved with County Lines – including speaking up about those who regularly carry weapons.

Since its launch in Surrey in 2018, Emily has spoken to over 7,000 local young people and provided training for over 1,000 professionals including GPs, social workers and teachers.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, she has been carrying out online Fearless.org education sessions, which have been attended by more than 500 people from across the county.

There has also been a big focus on reaching young people through social media with a recent campaign focused on spotting the warning signs of exploitation from drug gangs.

PCC David Munro has agreed to continue funding Emily’s Fearless role through a grant from his Community Safety Fund, which helps projects large and small improve community safety across the county.

He said: “For our young people in particular, the last year has been an extremely testing period with disruption to their schooling and exams at such an important stage in their lives.

“Sadly there will be criminals trying to exploit the situation and target our young people during these uncertain times.”

“Violent crime and the threats posed by ‘County Lines’ gangs recruiting teenagers to become part of their drug supply operation, are very real issues that police here in Surrey are tackling right now.

“The role Emily is doing through Fearless is invaluable in helping empower our young people to make their communities safer, which is why I was delighted to extend the funding so she can continue the important work she is doing across the county over the next three years.”

Surrey’s Fearless Outreach Worker Emily Drew, said: “Since launching Fearless.org in Surrey two years ago, we have been reaching out to thousands of young people and professionals across the county to spread the Fearless message.

“The response has been amazing but we want to go even further so I’m delighted this funding will enable us to continue the work we’ve started over the next three years.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has presented us with a number of challenges but now that children are back in school, we will be looking to provide more of those inputs direct into the classroom. If any schools or organisations in Surrey would like a free session, then please get in touch!”

Chair of Surrey Crimestoppers Lynne Hack, said: “Young people can often understandably be very reluctant to report crime, so the education Fearless can provide to them is really critical to us, particularly during these difficult times.

“Emily as a youth worker is completely non-judgemental and can spread the message that young people can speak up about crime to us with the 100% guarantee that it will be completely anonymous and no one will know they have contacted us.”

If your organisation works with young children and you would like to arrange a Fearless training session, or you want to learn more about the work that Emily is doing in Surrey – please visit www.fearless.org/campaigns/fearless-surrey