Young people at risk of youth violence 'lacked support during lockdown'
Fiona Simpson
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Local authorities have been urged to prioritise support for young people at risk of youth violence as coronavirus restrictions tighten.
The Living Through a Lockdown: Reflections and recommendations from young people at risk of serious violence report from organisations StreetDoctors, Redthread and MAC-UK found that more than half of young people who had experienced youth violence or who were at risk of it said they had not been able to get support during lockdown.
A further 70 per cent said lockdown had negatively impacted their mental health while 66 per cent felt their safety had not improved or had got worse despite restrictions.
However, it also states that “enabling vulnerable young people to take on an active role in their communities will improve safety, connection and access to key services”.
Some 39 per cent of the young people surveyed said that during lockdown they were actively involved with their communities through activities such as the NHS Clap for carers, shopping for others or becoming NHS responders.
The report recommends ensuring local leaders take tangible steps now to support young people in the event of a second lockdown and consult young people on how to best communicate new restrictions, and on the potential impact of lockdowns.
Chloe, a young person from Nottingham who contributed to the report said: “My advice to local leaders would be to actually talk to some young people. Don’t talk at them but try to incorporate them in some decisions. These young people are the next generation and their views are going to help mould the future for the better. A fresh view is important to bring around positive change in their communities”
Other recommendations include ensuring access to services despite new restrictions, creating pathways to active citizenship for young people and supporting local institutions to be a consistent presence to help keep young people safe.
John Poyton, chief executive at Redthread, said: “While the national lockdown might be over, many communities know restrictions could imminently be imposed at a local level. It’s vital we are ready. This time, it won’t be unprecedented, and all agencies must have plans in place to protect the younger generation.”
Lucie Russell, chief executive at StreetDoctors adds: “This report lays bare the feelings and experiences of young people at risk of or involved in violence during lockdown. It powerfully demonstrates their pain, confusion and loneliness, their lack of support, their fears for their safety and their feelings of loss. But it also highlights their amazing active citizenship during the crisis, and their hopes for a more positive future, one that they desperately want to make a positive contribution to.”
While Jake Lake, policy and prevention lead at MAC-UK, said: “What this report shows us is something people who work with them already know - that these young people are among the kindest and most compassionate in society, who are willing and eager to help out their communities as much as they can. It also shows us where we failed them as a society during the first lockdown, leaving young people feeling isolated and confused.”