Shining a light on the Blue Light Services!
Around 100 young people from schools across Essex learnt more about the work of the county’s emergency services at a special event held last week.
Bailey, Neeve, Satine, Lily-Mae and Cian from the Young Essex Assembly.
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex and the Young Essex Assembly hosted a Blue Light Youth Conference at the Hamptons in Great Baddow. Young people going along heard from and met representatives from Essex Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Services and East of England Ambulance Service.
Stars of the show though were the Essex Police dogs, who didn’t paws for thought when asked to pop in and do a meet and greet session. Police Dog Rex, Retired Police Dog Baloo and new boy on the block Bruce the puppy got everyone’s tails wagging.
Retired Police Dog Baloo enjoying the attention.
It’s the second time the event has taken place. This time the young people attending had the opportunity to chat to Roger Hirst, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner on community safety issues as well as learning about topics that mattered to them including human trafficking, hate crime and how to stay safe online.
They also took part in interactive sessions with the Southend Combat Academy, the Firebreak team from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service as well as finding out about what it is like to be a frontline paramedic.
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “This was a really exciting event for us and an excellent opportunity to find out what young people in the county think about their emergency services.
“They asked us all some great questions and it’s clear that young people are really passionate about finding out more about the people who protect and look after them.“Hopefully they also took away some valuable life skills to help keep them safe. It was good to hear their views too as it really helps us to shape our plans.”
The Young Essex Assembly is the youth council for Essex and gives members the opportunity to have an influence on issues affecting young people in the county. Elected members are aged 11 to 19 and mirror the number of county councillors in Essex, with 75 seats representing various parts of the county. Members are in office for a period of two years and, supported by Essex County Council’s Youth Service, are encouraged to campaign for changes they believe will benefit the lives of their peers.
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex chats to students.
Southend Combat Academy training with pupils from Basildon Academies.
Trying on some equipment with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
