A LAWN Manor pupil has been selected to join the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Commission on Police and Crime 2021 and to represent young people on matters related to policing.

After her teacher circulated the opportunity, Jessica Whyte applied to join the Youth Commission due to her interest in pursuing a career in the police force in the future.  She was shortlisted and interviewed, subsequently achieving one of only 25 places available for young people aged 14-25 in Swindon and Wiltshire.

Jessica has already attended her first meeting with the Youth Commission, where aspects of gang culture and drugs were the focus.  She will now attend meetings every six weeks until January 2022.

Jessica said: “I really didn’t expect to be accepted as so many people apply, but I’m very pleased I was.  The first meeting was a bit overwhelming as there was only one other 14 year-old there and a lot of the others were university students, including one from Oxford University.  There is a really diverse mix of people taking part.

“I want to be a police officer, or in a role to do with the police, when I’m older so I think they asked me to join because I’m interested in the topics and have knowledge about what’s being talked about.  The focus of the first session was to look at one reason why the community isn’t so safe and what could be done to improve it.

“I have already got a lot more confidence because of it and enjoyed meeting different people.   It gives me a lot of satisfaction to be helping people and the area I live in, and once this is over next year, I would like to look at other similar opportunities, which could help me secure my future career with the police.”

The Youth Commission project gives young people the chance to have their say about policing, crime and community safety in their area and to help create solutions for the related issues that young people face.  It also gives them the opportunity to meet new people and learn valuable life skills.

Jessica’s mum, Clare Whyte, added: “We’re very proud of Jessica.  This was her first ever interview and she handled that, as well as the whole application, all on her own with our encouragement.  She’s done really well considering the competition for places on the Youth Commission and the high calibre of applications that they receive.

“Since she’s been at Lawn Manor Academy she’s done really well and grown in confidence.  This opportunity will be really good on her CV and for her future.”