Young people and police officers came together for a celebration event at Waltham Forest Town Hall last week to mark the conclusion of a groundbreaking new scheme to build bridges between two groups that can feel at odds with one another.
Called Common Ground, the pilot began in mid-2025 and saw 17 young people from Waltham Forest take part in two-way mentoring with six local police officers, with ranks ranging from constable to detective superintendent. Developed and delivered jointly by Waltham Forest Council and the Metropolitan Police, the scheme was shaped by young people at every stage - from the initial idea and programme design through to delivery, oversight and evaluation - creating a safe space for honest conversations, shared learning and mutual understanding.
Participants took part in regular group discussions facilitated by the Council’s delivery partners Spark2Life and Act for Change, who guided conversations on topics including trust, power dynamics, lived experiences and adultification. The programme encouraged both young people and officers to learn from one another and consider different perspectives.
To celebrate the scheme’s success, participants came together with council and police officers, councillors, and community leaders. Young people who were closely involved with the development and delivery of Common Ground planned and hosted the event, including leading a discussion with senior officers, councillors and fellow participants to reflect on the pilot and explore what comes next.
A young person who participated in Common Ground, Alice,* said: “We hear a lot about the lack of trust between young people and the police. I thought the emphasis on what we can learn from each other was especially important. I think it’s easy to assume that people aren't interested in hearing from or speaking to ‘the other side’, but this showed that this wasn't the case.”
Cllr Charlotte Lafferty, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “Too often our young people can feel unfairly judged or misunderstood by the police, which can mean they’re less likely to trust officers or seek help when they need it. By bringing young people into conversations with the police around matters that affect them, we are helping to build a better, more connected community for us all.”
Superintendent Sarah Jackson, Neighbourhood Policing Lead for Waltham Forest, added: “Common Ground has provided a unique opportunity for young people and police officers to come together, listen to one another and build genuine understanding. The programme has challenged perceptions on both sides, created space for honest and sometimes difficult conversations, and helped strengthen the relationships that are so important to effective policing by consent. I am incredibly proud of all the young people and officers who took part and embraced the spirit of the initiative. Their willingness to learn from one another demonstrates what can be achieved when we focus on shared experiences, mutual respect and a common goal of making Waltham Forest an even safer and more inclusive borough for everyone.”
To find out more about the work the Council does with young people, go to www.walthamforest.gov.uk or email communitysafety@walthamforest.gov.uk for more information.