Children's Commissioner for Wales visits Gwent Police

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, was delighted to welcome the Children's Commissioner for Wales, Sally Holland, to Gwent on Friday to show her the great work being undertaken to support children and young people across the area.

As part of the visit, the PCC accompanied the Children's Commissioner to Nant Celyn primary school, St Julian’s high school and the Missing Children's Hub, discussing things such as Heddlu Bach, school exclusions and vulnerable young people at risk of exploitation.

During the day, the PCC and Children’s Commissioner heard from a number of individuals who had benefited from the services showcased including members of the Heddlu Bach who talked about how the initiative had increased their confidence and built strong relationships with the surrounding community.

The pair also met a young pupil from St Julian’s high school who was at serious risk of permanent school exclusion, however, as a result of working with Positive Futures and Barnardo’s Cymru, projects funded by the PCC’s office, he was now continuing successfully through full-time education.

Speaking after the visit, the PCC said "I was delighted to welcome Sally Holland along to Gwent today to showcase the wonderful work taking place by us and our partners.

"My office are truly committed to ensuring that the children and young people of Gwent receive the best possible support by working with partners to adopt a true, child centred approach."

The final element of the visit was to the multi-agency Missing Children’s Hub, a partnership hub bringing together police, social workers, health workers, education and third sector representatives to help vulnerable young people.

Speaking from the Hub, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Sally Holland said, “It has been a fascinating day seeing how children’s rights to be happy, healthy and safe are being supported by the police throughout Gwent alongside their partners including health, social care and education.

“The best feature of the visit has been to actually see the work in action including here at the Missing Children’s Hub.”