Tell us a bit about who you are.

Ryan Doyle

My name is Ryan Doyle, I am a police Inspector with Devon and Cornwall and the Chair and Founder of Local Heroes. I’m 32 years old and have been a police officer for 12 years; joining Thames Valley in 2003 and then moving to Devon in 2007. I set up Local Heroes in 2013 because I care deeply about preventing bullying, raising awareness of Hate Crime and empowering young people to lead social change.

What is your ‘idea worth spreading’?

I will be talking about how the unique approach of Local Heroes has made a hugely positive impact on schools and young people.

What message do you want to share at TEDxTotnes?

I want people to realise that they have a responsibility to protect Young People and the passion, drive and brilliant ideas that they have.

What does the theme of this year’s TEDxTotnes, “It’s in our hands” mean to you?

Through my day job as partnership lead for the police in Devon and the work I do with Local Heroes it is clear that the skills, knowledge and commitment required to lead and deliver social change exist within our communities. What we need is people to realise they have the ability to make things better; be that for themselves, their friends and family or their whole community. The challenge for those in positions of authority is to understand that and work with people to make this happen. For me, “It’s in our hands” is a call to action. For the policy setters, budget holders and decision makers to realise the ability in our communities, and individuals and communities to be inspired.

What impact do you hope TEDxTotnes will have on the community, and internationally?

I want them to be inspired. I want it to be a call to action. I want people to go and find out about Local Heroes and the other great organisations and projects that will be spoken about, and find out how they can help us make a difference.

Which TED or TEDx talk has had the greatest impact on you?

Tom Wujec (Marshmallow Challenge) and Adora Svitik (What adults can learn from kids). Both talk about how powerful young people’s minds and abilities are: “Kids are not hampered by reasons not to do something” (TW), “In order for anything to be a reality, you have to dream it first” (AS). They remind me of one of my favourite film quotes (from V for Vendetta): “Beneath this mask there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask is an idea, and ideas are bullet proof”.