Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn visited several areas in Pembrokeshire to meet with voluntary and third sector organisation and charities to see some of the positive work that is being carried out with young people in Pembrokeshire.

As part of his community engagement day on June 14, PCC Llywelyn visited the Hive in Haverfordwest, which is a youth and community project supporting the young people of the Garth Ward and local area.  The Hive offers a safe environment for young people to meet, play, learn and educate themselves, helping them grow and develop into adults that are positive members of society, continuously improving their future life opportunities.  

The project has received funding from Mr Llywelyn recently to create a ‘Cruyff pitch’, which is a safe play area outside the Centre, for children and young people to involve themselves in sporting activities.

The Police and Crime Commissioner also travelled to meet with staff who provide a successful boxing intervention programme for young people in Pembroke Dock.  BOXWISE is a national social enterprise that helps young people build confidence, improve their health and wellbeing and maximise all opportunities available to them, and won a recent award at the 2023 Dyfed-Powys Police Awards.  Following the success of the intervention programme in Pembroke Dock, the sessions are now being offered across the Force area in Llanelli, Brecon, Letterston and Llandysul.

While at Pembroke Dock, the Mr Llywelyn attended a graffiti exhibition launch to celebrate graffiti art boards created by young people from across Pembrokeshire earlier this Spring. The boards highlight improvements the young people would like to see in their local communities.

PCC Dafydd Llywelyn addressing an audience at the launch of a graffiti exhibition in the Old Market Hall, Pembroke Dock
PCC Dafydd Llywelyn addressing an audience at the launch of a graffiti exhibition in the Old Market Hall, Pembroke Dock (PCC office)

The graffiti exhibition project was organised by PLANED, who received funding from the Welsh Government’s ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) fund and promoted locally by Police and Crime Commissioners.   The project’s aim was to help young people in Pembrokeshire have a sense of control and feel more connected to their communities by having their voices heard, thereby increasing their resilience and well-being. It also aimed to equip decision makers better to tackle ACES in their communities.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “I wholeheartedly support and recognise the vital role that local youth work and projects play in our communities. I had the privilege of visiting some of these projects and initiatives that not only provide essential guidance and care but also mentorship, and educational opportunities that equip young individuals with the skills and resilience needed to make responsible choices and lead productive lives.

“By engaging and connecting with young people, we can foster positive relationships, build trust, and steer them away from crime.

“Moreover, these projects create safe spaces for young people to engage in constructive activities, away from negative influences. By channelling their energy into sports, arts, education, and community involvement, we empower them to develop their talents and aspirations, ultimately reducing the risk of them becoming involved in criminal behaviour.”

In the afternoon, the Police and Crime Commissioner accompanied a local PCSO to a meeting with a group of adults with learning disabilities at Value Independence in Milford Haven.  The PCSO was providing the group with an awareness input about cuckooing and mate crime followed by a graffiti workshop where they produced a piece of artwork that was reflective of the input.

To end the day, Mr Llywelyn met with local Superintendent for Pembrokeshire Spt Craig Templeton, to discuss local policing matters as we prepare ourselves for the tourist season and the policing challenges that Dyfed-Powys Police face with the influx of visitors to the area over summer months. 

The council also met with a local councillor in Milford Haven to discuss matters in relation to the relocation of the Police Station in the local area.

 Next month (July 2023), the Police and Crime Commissioner will be holding a community engagement day in Carmarthenshire, ahead of a Youth Conference that he is hosting along with his Youth Engagement Forum.