AN appeal has been made for young people to share their views via The Big Conversation.

The Big Conversation consultation is being run by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Youth Commission, which is made up of 35 young people from around the two counties. Members talk to peers in their local communities about their policing and criminal justice concerns, but this consultation enables them to hear even more views, from more young people.

And people have until December 18 to have their say.

The feedback is being gathered online at youthcommission.co.uk, where you can see what others are saying and add comments on the six priorities. Young people can share their experiences and suggest practical solutions they believe would make an impact.

Youth Commission member Louis Faith said: “If you’re a young person and feel like you aren’t being heard, tell us what you think about crime and policing. It’s easy to get involved and make a real change in our communities. We want to hear all your views, positive or negative, because your views are important.”

Louis, 22, was recently listed as one of the 50 inspirational sporting people worldwide by Beyond Sport, alongside David Beckham and Muhammad Ali.

Simon Hayes, the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, continued: “I’d like to congratulate Louis on being an inspiration to other young people. He is a valuable member of the Youth Commission. Some young people might feel like they aren’t heard, but the Youth Commission wants to listen to them. I encourage them to go online at youthcommission.co.uk and get involved.”

Mr Hayes set up the Youth Commission to enable young people to be part of the solution, rather than being seen as part of the problem. It allows the commissioner to work in partnership with young people to tackle the issues that affect them and which they feel strongly about.

The Youth Commission will present the findings from their Big Conversation to the commissioner and chief constable, among others, through a report that will be launched at their conference in the new year.

Anyone aged 14 to 25 and interested in becoming a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Youth Commission should call 01962 871 595 or e-mail [email protected].