PEOPLE from across North Wales have convened in Rhyl to help shape the future of policing, justice and the legal system.

The Commission on Justice in Wales, the organisation tasked with improving the justice system, handed the mic to the public at Rhyl Town Hall on Wednesday, March 27.

Tenants with Clwyd Alyn Housing Association Chris Swinnerton and Kelly Bayliss were among the participants at the event which will incorporate contributions from Rhyl in a report expected later this year.

Ms Bayliss said:"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.”

Mr Swinnerton agreed: "What we said is going to be heard. I hope it inspires change and I’m hoping it changes something.

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."

The event was co-hosted by Cymorth Cymru, the umbrella body for providers of homelessness, housing-related support and social care services in Wales.

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 provide the commission with valuable material to shape the future of justice in Wales.”