It's a rap at Dover Youth Conference

Over 800 Year 8 students attended the first ever Dover Youth Conference, organised by Dover District Council and the Dover District Community Safety Partnership, and there was a surprise in store as acclaimed MC and rapper, Harry Shotta, made a guest appearance.

The event was hosted at the Nye Hall at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School, and was organised to coincide with Safeguarding Week. Topics covered included online safety, substance misuse, relationships, gangs and crime.

Students came from eight local schools in the district, including Dover Christ Church Academy, Dover College, Dover Grammar School for Boys, Dover Grammar School for Girls, Sandwich Technology School, Sir Roger Manwood’s School, St Edmund’s Catholic School, and the Duke of York’s Royal Military School.

Alongside some audience participation in stage productions aimed at highlighting key themes, the students heard some compelling human stories. Speakers included Terry Heywood, a former offender who is now a substance misuse worker and peer mentor with Turning Point, and Paul McKenzie, a former victim of knife crime, and who now works as a life coach helping give young people a voice.

Diane May, a counsellor and Early Intervention & Prevention Manager with Oasis, the domestic abuse charity, talked about healthy relationships.

The event was supported by the Kent Police & Crime Commissioner, Kent Police, Kent Police Cadets, Kent County Council (Youth, Social Services, Community Wardens), and Kent Fire & Rescue Service. Students from East Kent College supported the technical production of the event.

Cllr MJ Holloway, Cabinet Member for Community Services, and Chairman of the Dover District Community Safety Partnership, said: "We’d like to thank all the students and schools for participating so actively at the conference.

"One of the key aims of the Council and the Community Safety Partnership is the safeguarding of young people.  We wanted to draw attention to the choices and consequences that young people face in today’s modern world.  The students really connected with the speakers and I am sure they left with some important life lessons."