Young people in Hemel have their say on what concerns them

Climate change, mental health, bullying, knife crime and body image were all identified as key concerns for young people in Hertfordshire in a recent survey.

Almost 10,000 11 to 17-year-olds in the county completed the survey led by YC Hertfordshire Services for Young People, part of Hertfordshire County Council.

Young people were asked what they thought about the support available to them, what challenges they felt they faced and what their greatest concerns were.

The survey also aimed to identify gaps in what is currently available to young people outside of school and ensure that those who provide services can adequately plan for the future.

Hertfordshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, Councillor Teresa Heritage, said: “These survey results give us an insight into the issues that are really important to young people in our county (prior to Covid-19).

"Given the work that the YC Hertfordshire Services for Young People has been carrying out during the crisis we will have gleaned even more intelligence from young people to ensure that we are cited on what is most important to them.

“It shows that young people are concerned about their personal safety and wellbeing, along with important global issues such as climate change.”

The survey revealed that 55 per cent of young people felt there was enough support and help available for them and their friends but 45 per cent said there wasn’t, or they were unsure.

Sixty-five per cent were confident they knew how and where to access support and help but 35 per cent didn’t or were unsure.

District and Borough Youth Strategy Groups, facilitated by YC Hertfordshire Services for Young People, will meet over the coming weeks to discuss the findings and produce action plans to better shape services for young people.

The full report of the survey findings will be published in June and will be available at www.ychertfordshire.org.