'NOT feeling safe on the streets' was revealed as young people's top concern in Hampshire at a recent youth conference.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has welcomed her Youth Commission’s recommendations on how young people would like street safety, hate and hostility and substance misuse tackled in the future.

Safe on the streets came out as the top concern for young people in the Youth Commission’s Big Conversation survey, with 62 per cent of the 1,614 responses.

Emily Woods, 16, said: “Everyone has a right to feel safe wherever they are and should not be made to feel uncomfortable. As young people, we need to be the ones to make the change now, so the next generation will not have to worry about walking home.”

Hate and hostility came second and substance misuse third. Other issues such as mental health support, domestic violence advocacy and rebuilding trust with the police were also important.

On substance misuse, Arthur Hide, 16, said: “I joined the Substance Misuse group because it is a very relevant issue for my local area. It is great to see that the work we as a sub group are doing is helping to increase the safety of young people in my local area and across Hampshire.”

At the conference the Youth Commission spoke about how these issues could be tackled by the police and partner agencies that work with young people to make the streets safer. 

The top recommendations included: education and raising awareness, initiatives and training, listen to victims and provide support.

Speaking at the event, deputy police and crime commissioner, Terry Norton, said: “The Police and Crime Commissioner and I want to improve the lives of young people in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight and that includes their experience of crime and interaction with the police and other agencies.

"We hear loudly and clearly that being safe on the streets is a priority for them, and we agree. Education on certain crime types is also key for them, including the consequences, as well as bespoke support for victims, being listened to, and campaigns which build a culture of respect and advocacy."

To find out more go to hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/youthcommission