What is Let's Talk?

In the summer of 2024, a group of 13 young adults from Staf and One Community Scotland came together to work with the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit on the topic of stop and search, and its impact on young people with experience of care and/or from a minority background.

How did we do it?

We worked closely with Police Scotland's National Stop and Search Unit during 6 workshops, surfacing learning and discussion between young adults and police. We explored the powers of stop and search, the reasons it is used, and helped police officers understand young people’s thoughts, views, and experiences of stop and search. As a result, the young people collaborated with Braw Talent, a not-for-profit creative studio, to produce 2 animations. The young people led the creative process, developing the scripts, characters, props and voiceovers, and developing an accompanying learning guide. 

Why is it useful?

The Let's Talk animations shine a light on what to expect, and encourage viewers to consider the perspectives and impacts these interactions have on young people with care experience and/or from ethnic minority backgrounds. Part 1 is from the perspective of JJ, a young person who is stopped and searched. Part 2 is from PC Andy's perspective.

The Let's Talk learning guide is designed for workers and young people; it offers insight into the law, and the perspectives of the police and young people. It can be used alongside the animations for in-person and online training sessions, both with individuals and groups of all sizes. It facilitates discussions, increases mutual understanding, and supports the development of positive relationships between young people and the police.

“I really enjoyed my experience in this project, and I really hope it can benefit young people in Scotland and teach them how to handle the stop and search process.”

What next?

We encourage young people, and those working with young people, to use the animations and learning guide to enhance your knowledge of young people's rights. Police Scotland are also using them as part of their training. These resources are free for everyone to use and share.

Download the Let's Talk Learning Guide.

Need more info?

If you would like to learn more about the Let’s Talk project, please contact [email protected].