SAVS Community Builder, Chiquitta Bruce recently had the pleasure of attending Southend’s very first Youth Independent Advisory Group (YIAG), and it was genuinely inspiring. A diverse group of young people, gave up their free time to come together to share their views on policing, particularly around safety in Southend and around their own neighbourhoods.

The group has gone from strength to strength and is now on its fourth meeting and numbers are starting to reach capacity.

Over the Christmas period, it was also great to see a new local business (Ricci’s Taverna) contribute and generously gift food to the group, this really added to the festive spirit, and was very well received.

This group brings together young people from all walks of life, all willing to step forward and act as a “critical friend” to the police. By offering an independent, community-based perspective, they help improve policing services, build trust, and promote fair treatment for everyone. That’s exactly what an IAG meeting is all about, and I’m excited to see how this group continues to grow.