The Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit has published the findings of its 2024/25 Listening Project.
This project has been running for the past six years to identify what makes young people feel safe or unsafe across the county.
For the sixth consecutive year, the main concern is the risk of being stabbed or knife crime, though this has fallen slightly from 21.6 per cent last year to 19.9 per cent.
This is despite knife crime decreasing in Essex, contrary to the national trend.
Other concerns include global affairs, threats, and discrimination, given by 17.1 per cent of respondents.
Gangs trouble 10.7 per cent of young people, harassment 9.3 per cent, drugs 8.9 per cent, and theft, mugging, robbery 8.8 per cent.
Roger Hirst, Essex PFCC and chair of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership, said: “Knife crime is a very serious issue and one we will continue to tackle to make our communities safer.
“However, unlike the rest of the UK, we are making great progress in reducing knife crime in Essex.”
He stated that since 2019, more than £9 million has been invested in prevention, early intervention, and enforcement, resulting in a 24% reduction in knife crime.
Hospitals have reported over a 50% reduction in knife harm incidents.
The Listening Project, which involves 2,466 people aged 10 to 25 years, also sought to understand what makes young people feel safe.
Top of the list were social spaces where young people could engage in affordable or free activities. Being with friends also made them feel safer.
The unit supports several community-led interventions to provide safe spaces for young people, awarding £312,508 to 17 projects over the past year.
The schemes aim to raise self-esteem and confidence, build resilience, and improve mental and physical wellbeing.
Youth Unity on the Limes Farm Estate in Epping Forest, organised a term time Friday night youth hub to support young people.
Debates and workshops took place tackling the current issues affecting young people, combined with sports such as football and basketball, crafts and games’ activities to maintain a friendly and enjoyable vibe.
James Hensman, CEO of Youth Unity CIC, related the success of their Friday night youth hub.
He said: “Through providing positive, all-inclusive activities, we’ve created safe spaces that encourage engagement, respect, and friendship.”
The project also identified innovative safety solutions, such as free mobile phone charging stations and emergency help points in public places.
