Hundreds of teenagers have attended conferences organised by Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye this week.
It was part of a major drive to raise awareness about issues like knife crime and violence against women and girls.
Nearly 300 year nine students attended the events which were delivered in partnership with agencies such as Bedfordshire’s Violence and Exploitation Unit (VERU) and the Safer Streets programme.
Held at venues in each local authority area, students heard from a number of guest speakers and took part in talks and workshops to help them understand the impact their actions and choices can have on the rest of their life, while giving them the opportunity to be part of the solution in reducing crime in Bedfordshire.
Sessions included a live theatre performance from educational theatre group Performance in Education, who delivered a thought-provoking play about sexual violence and how young people can call out such behaviour.
Mr Akinbusoye said: “I am delighted to have hosted a successful youth conference for the second year in a row and with even more students in attendance.
“I am a firm believer of identifying and utilising teachable moments. This now annual youth conference is a platform I want to use to ensure our young people are inspired to make sound choices, informed on the risks and consequences of their decisions, but also empowered to make those decisions for themselves.
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