Teens shortlisted for outstanding citizen award

Two teenagers have been shortlisted for an award for their work in raising awareness about knife crime and mental health.

Sienna Ahir, 17, a former Wolverhampton Youth MP and anti-youth violence activist, has been praised for founding Daggers Down, a youth-led safety campaign which has seen 12 publicly accessible bleed control kits installed across the region.

Eighteen-year-old Reice James has also been commended for his volunteering and campaigns to promote men's mental health.

They are both in the running to win the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) Outstanding Young Citizen Award, with the final winner to be announced on 28 September at the Coventry Boys and Girls Club.

"Wolverhampton has a bad reputation and that can deter a lot of young people," Ahir previously said when describing her motivation for starting the initiative.

"A lot feel disadvantaged from the get‑go and that's why it's so important that we empower young people - that's what [Daggers Down is all about]… making them feel hopeful about their futures."

In addition to her advocacy and fundraising with the project, she has served on the UK Parliament's Youth Select Committee and led a high-profile inquiry into the links between social media and youth violence.

She has also partnered with schools, the British Transport Police and the Violence Reduction Partnership to deliver assemblies on vital first aid, exploitation and knife crime awareness.

"Sienna is a fantastic example of the difference young people can make when they have the opportunity to lead, volunteer and stand up for their communities," the region's PCC Simon Foster said.

James has also been praised for spending a third of his life volunteering, which involved rising to deputy head cadet during his time with the West Midlands Police Cadets.

He now serves his community as a St John Ambulance Community First Aider and Emergency Responder.

His multi-faceted service spans campaigning for men's health, mentoring youth, and volunteering with Sandwell Council – efforts that have earned him both the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and King's Coronation medals.

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