THE people tasked with finding better ways of delivering justice in Wales took their search to Rhyl this week.
THE people tasked with finding better ways of delivering justice in Wales took their search to Rhyl this week. (Wednesday 27th March).
Around 35 people came from across North Wales to the session held at Rhyl Town Hall to share their views on policing, justice and the legal system with the Commission on Justice in Wales.
Their contributions will be used by the members of the Commission to inform their findings and recommendations as they prepare to report later on this year.
The Commission co-hosted the event with housing organisation Cymorth Cymru.
Tenants with Clwyd Alyn Housing Association Chris Swinnerton and Kelly Bayliss were among the participants at the event. Chris said: "What we said is going to be heard. I hope it inspires change and I’m hoping it changes something. Kelly added: "I want to stop kids going down my path which was in prison and not a good place to be. It's good that the meeting was held because things need to change.”
The Commission on Justice in Wales was set up in 2017 by the Welsh Government to review the operation of the justice system in Wales and set a long-term vision for its future.
Commissioner Dr Nerys Llewelyn Jones was at the session. She said: "It was really good to hear what people had to say.
"We want our work to be informed by what people in Wales tell us matters to them and hearing those issues first hand is invaluable to the work of the Commission."
Katie Dalton, Director of Cymorth Cymru said: “We’re really pleased to be working with the Commission on Justice in Wales to ensure that people using housing and support services have the opportunity to share their views and experiences of the policing and justice system.”
“While the views of academics, policymakers and professionals are all crucial to the Commission’s work, we are passionate about these services being shaped by the people who use them.”
“We hope to welcome lots of people to the event on Wednesday and provide the Commission with valuable material to shape the future of justice in Wales.”
Cymorth Cymru is the umbrella body for providers of homelessness, housing-related support and social care services in Wales.
The events followed similar sessions in South Wales where members of the Commission met professionals and members of the public.
Since its foundation the Commission has travelled around Wales and the wider UK taking evidence from people about their experiences and what features they would like to see in a Welsh Justice system.