1. Barnet Young People’s Safeguarding Consultation 2011 Researched by Youth Shield

2. Where we started We spent two days developing the consultation We brainstormed what outcomes we wanted to achieve Then thought of ways that would be most effective to collect feedback Our conclusion… We would roll out an online questionnaire backed up by a series of face to face and online focus group sessions

3. How did we do this?... We explored a range of different topics that we thought needed surveyed by young people This consisted of the following 8 headings: 1.Healthy Relationships 2.Young Carers 3.Drugs & Alcohol 4.Disability 5.Mental Health 6.Faith & Culture 7.Transport 8.Out & about and Hate Crime We compiled a list of questions within the above topics that would explore all aspects of safeguarding, enabling us to gain a true insight into what young people feel about a range of topics and areas that affect their lives

4. How did we reach the young people? We went borough wide. As well as using our database networks to promote the online survey throughout organisations, schools and friends, we attended the following events and groups throughout the summer to do face to face consultations and complete surveys Barnet Play Day IPOP Summer Festival Traveller Horse Fair Rolling Base Youth Bus Supplementary Schools Rainbow Centre Community Paint Day Clive gig @ The Artsdepot Ayesha Islamic School Youth Clubs borough wide Barnet Youth Board Role Model Army Young Carers Group PACE – LGBT Group CAMHS users Northgate School Woodhouse Road Young People’s Centre user group BLAB – Barnet Libraries Advisory Board New Park House Residential Home SRE sessions

5. How many young people did we reach? All young people either:  Live in Barnet  Go to school, college or work in Barnet  Socialise in Barnet 143 young people were consulted face to face 266 questionnaires were completed

6. We had a broad spread of responses throughout the borough. The highest proportion is from Edgware, Burnt Oak & Finchley areas. 27% of people consulted were from neighbouring boroughs, which included Enfield, Haringey, Harrow & Brent

7. Ratio of male: female 48.1% were male 51.9% were female

8. Ages of young people

9. Ethnicity

10. Cultural Background

11. The findings…

12. Healthy Relationships Of the young people surveyed: 69.5% = 178 think that domestic violence exists in teenage relationships 15.8% = 40 have been grabbed, pushed or shoved by a boy or girl they are going out with 5.6% = 14 have had a boyfriend/girlfriend that has tried to force them to have sex 13.5% = 34 have been verbally abused by a boy or girl they are going out with 26% = 66 have seen their parents/carers being threatening, violent or abusive towards each other 86% = 214 think that it’s not ok for a boy or girl they’re going out with to be aggressive or abusive 8.3% = 21 didn’t know if it was ok 60.2% = 151 have not been taught in school about building a healthy relationship with a boy or a girl that they’re going out with. 10% = 25 didn’t know if they had been 41% = 109 don’t feel there is enough help for young people involved or affected by domestic violence. 39.5% didn’t know 84.1% = 212 have been taught at school about STI’s 37.5% = 94 didn’t know where to access free contraception 1.6% = 4 of those surveyed were teenage parents Conclusion: There is significant awareness raising to be done with regards to what a healthy relationship. It’s evident that domestic violence exists in teenage relationships, yet there is little awareness of where to go for help. A high proportion of young people are being educated about STI’s and keeping themselves healthy whilst in a relationship, but all are not informed about how to access free contraception.

13. Additional comments about healthy relationships: “There should be abstinence until marriage!” “Harsher punishment for domestic violence, but there needs to be support for both sides i.e. restorative justice approach” “I only think it's ok for someone to be aggressive if it's not done in a negative manner” “There should be more advertising for STI clinics. When I asked my nurse where to get checked she lectured me on safe sex instead of supporting my decision to get checked” “There is help for young teens affected by domestic violence but it is not publicised very well” “I think teenagers would be better off if they were taught that sex was for marriage and not just for flings. This enables them to be more respectful of themselves and others. We have given them the easy way out by saying they can have abortions or contraception and they do not care about the consequences of their actions which has been due to a radical decline in morals and values over the last 20 years” “There is not enough services out there for young people”

14. Young Carers 45 young people surveyed classed themselves as young carers 42.2% feel they don’t receive enough 36.4% don’t feel safe with all their responsibilities help and support as young carers 35% didn’t feel they are able to cope with 38.5% weren’t aware of any support worker at school the added stress and time pressures put on them or college who could provide support

15. 32.5% don’t feel listened to by the appropriate 33.3% don’t feel they can trust outside people to help professionals them with their responsibilities 31.7% don’t know who to go to if they need help 52.6% don’t know if being a carer affects their safety

16. Additional views from young carers focus group: Do you think being a young carer can put you in vulnerable situations? Yeah, not just because you're a carer but the connotations that come with that People might look at you differently when they know you are a young carer and that makes you more vulnerable. What would help to support young carers better? If more schools are aware about it and that there are young carers in their school More funding for BYCAS so they can expand their services Do schools do enough to support young carers? I don’t think so, I think they see it as a long and pointless thing for them to do Is there enough understanding from other young people and teachers etc about what being a young carer involves? No, other young people don't really understand what it's like being a young carer What would you change to make things better for families and carers? More relief and respite opportunities and more awareness in the general public Conclusion: Additional support services is needed to ensure young carers are fully supported within the home as well as at school and college. There is a need to raise awareness amongst teachers and to provide clear Information and guidance for young carers on where to go should they need additional support. Opportunities must be created for young carers to meet and share their views and be listened to by appropriate professionals

17. Drugs and alcohol Not all young people answered all the questions on drugs and alcohol, either because they didn’t want to disclose the information or because they have never used drugs or alcohol. We asked the following questions: Have you suffered peer pressure to use/abuse recreational drugs and/or alcohol? 23.1% = 57 said YES 76.9% = 190 said NO 19 people skipped the question Do you know a drug dealer? 37.2% = 92 said YES 62.8% = 155 said NO 19 people skipped the question Do recreational drugs and/or alcohol affect your home life? 133 young people answered. 9% said YES 91% said NO Do you think you know how to use recreational drugs safely? Do you think you have a problem with recreational drugs and/or alcohol? 126 young people answered 3.2% said YES 91.3% said NO 5.6% didn’t know

18. Does using recreational drugs and/or alcohol put you in unsafe situations? 127 young people answered 19.7% said YES 70.1% said NO 10.2% didn’t know Have you ever used recreational drugs or alcohol to fit in with your friends? 126 young people answered 23% said YES 77% said no Have you ever used recreational drugs and/or alcohol because there isn't anything else to do? 127 young people answered 28.3% said YES 71.7% said no Have you been affected by your parents abuse of recreational drugs and/or alcohol? 227 young people answered 9.3% said YES 90.7% said NO Have you ever approached a professional for support/guidance? 223 young people answered 10.3% said YES 89.7% said NO Conclusion: The feedback from young people highlights that there is significant peer pressure to use drugs and alcohol. Over a quarter of young people say they use because of lack of activities for them to be involved in. The results highlight the need to raise awareness about drugs, to educate young people on the effects and outcomes and to have a range of services that young people can access to get advice, socialise together and keep themselves positively engaged.

19. Disability All young people surveyed were asked their view on the safety of disabled young people 68.8% of those surveyed think that disabled young people are at a higher risk of being abused 48.8% thought that disabled young people were well supported by professionals The remaining 51.2% thought they weren’t or didn’t know if they were We then consulted with 55 disabled young people and asked: Have you suffered abuse at home or out and about because of your disability? 17.6% said YES 82.4% said NO Do you ever feel targeted or exploited (mate crime) because of your disability? 28.8% said YES 71.2% said NO Do you know who to contact if something happens to you? 70.4% said YES 29.6% said NO

20. Additional views from disability focus group “I only know to contact the police if something happens to me” “It would be helpful to know of others that we could contact” “I don’t get out that much so I’m not sure what to do” “There are lots of volunteers that help me, not just professionals” “Bullying is always a problem” “I don’t get to use public transport because I get picked up so I don’t know that much” Conclusion: It’s been highlighted through the focus group sessions that many disabled young people are not experienced in travelling independently or being out and about on their own. However, over a quarter of those surveyed say they’ve been victims of mate crime. Some awareness and support around bullying and being vulnerable to exploitation is necessary to develop skills that will be beneficial throughout adulthood.

21. Mental Health

22. Additional views mental health focus group session: Does having mental health issues make you feel more judged by family, friends and or other people in the community? YES. Sometimes its hard to be honest with people because I don't know how they will react or what they will think of me. Do you think people around you might not have a full understanding of your needs? YES. Since all the changes in mental health and changing teams things feel very unsettled. I don't feel I can be so honest with them at times when I need to be because I don’t know them. Are there any stereotypes about your condition that are true/ untrue? Or unfair? YES. People say people with my conditions are attention seeking, but I actually find it hard to involve people with my problems as it makes me at times uneasy. Also I don’t feel some professionals have taken me seriously due to this stereotype. Do you feel there is enough mental health support in Barnet? Ranging from inpatient to outpatient care. NO. I feel once the mental health people in Barnet know you they always compare you to what you have been before, therefore I didn’t always get the support I needed at the time. What would you like to see change to improve the safety of young people with mental health problems? I feel young people need to be taken seriously and the professionals shouldn't now see what is most cost effective as you cant put a price on a young persons life!

23. Additional comments on mental health “More awareness and education is needed on this subject” “I believe that any sort of discrimination to mental health sufferers is wrong, people need more education” “There is little understanding of mental health even within the NHS. It is easier to get help for physical help” “I would ask my GP if I needed help, but the services in Barnet are limited” “There should be more education in school about mental health and how to deal with it” Conclusion: Nearly 70% of those surveyed are aware of another young person who has a mental health difficulty, yet just over half would know who or where to go for help or support should they need it. The results again highlight the need for more education, useful resources and more opportunities for young people to meet with the professionals and share their experiences and knowledge on the topics that affect their lives and the services they use.

24. Faith & Culture 196 young people completed the questions on faith & culture Do you or your family follow a certain faith/culture? 78.1% said YES 21.9% said NO Can it be difficult to fit in with other communities because of your cultural background? 23.5% said YES 76.5% said NO Have you ever experienced bullying because of your cultural background? 18.9% said Yes 81.1% said NO Has your family's cultural beliefs ever made you feel unsafe? 9.2% said YES 90.8% said NO Do you know where to go to ask for support or guidance? 57.7% said YES 42.3% said NO Would you like to change anything about your cultural background? 9.7% said YES 90.3% said NO Conclusion: At nearly 20% reporting a yes for cultural bullying, it highlights that there is some development work to be done around different faith,, breaking down barriers and educating people about different cultures. Some additional work/support needs to be looked at with regards to young people feeling unsafe because of their families cultural beliefs and provision of effective services to support young people.

25. Transport If not why? Feel that I could get mugged Drivers and the public don't intervene enough Bombings and people starting a confrontation Nothing can be done if someone intends to harm you. Lack of security Anything can happen and there is no immediate help I don’t feel safe unless I’m with other people Groups of males are intimidating Violence, terrorism & accidents scare me Lack of trust in others travelling Terrorists and gangs scare me Terrorist and bombs Anybody, even criminals can come on to public transport. There could be an accident Because its dangerous at night (Crime). Because there might be a suicide bomber on public transport. There are many dangers out there Because random people are near you Because you cannot trust anyone throughout the world Because people can act abusive if drunk. Because of violent youths I still think people will put bombs and cameras would not help Some people could be carrying knifes on the bus and that can be worrying I was assaulted on the bus I had my hat taken on the bus as it is a Jewish Symbol My mum had her wallet stolen on the bus Bombings on the underground tubes makes me feel paranoid There’s no staff There’s no security on the actual transport, just at the stations Violent people get on the bus, especially from schools Violent drunks get on It’s just not safe There are gangs

26. Would training up bus drivers as special constables make you feel safer? 59.7% YES 19.3% NO 21% Don’t know Would having bus conductors make you feel safer? 49.4% YES 36.1% NO 14.5% Don’t know Have you ever suffered any abuse on public transport? 27% YES 73%NO If you use a minicab is it always a registered cab? 60% YES 16.2% NO 23.8% DON’T KNOW Would having a female cab driver make you feel safer? 54.1% YES 45.9% NO Should cab companies text you the licence number and car details when you order a cab? 88.4% YES 11.6% NO Conclusion: Travelling on public transport is a concern for over 35% of young people surveyed. Increased security and staffing is a priority for them.

27. Out and about & hate crime 76.7% of young people surveyed said they DO feel safe on the streets in their area 23.3% DON’T feel safe 53.3% Feel the police DON’T give enough support to young people on the street 23.3% Said YES 23.3% Said NO 29.4% Think there area has a problem with gangs 50.8% Said NO 19.7% Didn’t know 18.3% of young people surveyed have been mugged 62.2% Did NOT report it to the police 21.6% Said YES they have experienced hate crime 39.1% Said the police DON’T respond effectively when young people report hate crime 66.4% of young people think it’s difficult to be open about their sexuality 41.5% Feel they are judged badly because of your appearance 63.9% DON’T know where to go for support about hate crime e.g. racial and homophobic discrimination

28. Feedback from an LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) focus group session: This focus group covered the areas of hate crime, mental health and support for young people. “I would not feel comfortable talking to teachers about LGBT issues because I’m not confident in teachers feelings towards LGBT people” “I may talk to my GP, would depend on which doctor, would need to be some one that would take my concerns Seriously” “There are not enough support services for LGBT young people. There is PACE and not many others like it. More LGBT specific groups needed- instead of a section of a normal youth club. Need further support for over 18s-since the cuts over 18s support has disappeared” “In schools the staff are not involved enough in LGBT issues. Turn a blind eye to bullying and offensive terms” “People are put in danger because there aren’t adequate services health and mental health wise! The cuts have meant people have no where comfortable to go. Can’t get the advice needed, talking to others with shared experiences and within a wide age range is important! PACE provided that. Without services people can become Isolated” “More awareness raising needed but more carefully done so keep services safe for young people” “Awareness of LGBT issues needs to start in primary schools- so that people don’t just have the stereotyped view of an LGB or T. The TV gives a bad image of gay people. With ridiculous characters being the face of LGBTs in the media”

29. “It’s important to get different cultures involved in breaking down prejudices in communities. Government panders too much to different cultures in an attempt not to offend.. and in the meantime excluding the LGBT community. More government support in schools, home and work is needed” “More inclusive and open schools and a homophobic teachers report line. Teachers can be openly homophobic” Some of the young people in the group had suffered abuse at home and at school because of their sexuality. This was due to ignorance and cultural differences. The point of cultural ignorance was brought up by two individuals who said their parents thought homosexuality was a new phenomenon! However most of the young people had been accepted within their families and cultures despite going against the “norm”. Support is needed for parents and family members to ensure that they can support people in “coming out”. Services are available but not widely known. Not being able to be open about their sexuality was the main issue affecting the level of safety for the young people. They would feel safer having a KNOWN LGBT liaison officer. Every borough has one but they are “invisible”. One young person went to ask for the officer in the police station and the other policemen were clueless. Only 4 of the Y.P knew about the existence of LGBT liaison officers. Besides this the young people have no trust in their police, wouldn’t feel comfortable reporting abuse (domestic or otherwise) to the authorities. If help was needed they would talk to friends or to PACE. Conclusions It is obvious that these young people feel that LGBT issues are ignored-proved in the retraction of funding from different boroughs. More support is needed in Schools and in the form of Youth Clubs particularly for over 18s.

30. YOUNG PEOPLE IN CARE FOCUS GROUP How efficient do you think social services are and what changes could be made to improve the service? I don’t feel social services have enough time to see their young people anymore, they say its to do with all the paperwork I would like to have easier access to my social worker when I need additional support It would be good if social services understood more about the situations we are in Do you feel the lack of authority/ structure means that you are more exposed to threats of harm? It depends where you live and who is caring for you Some people could be more at risk when they are leaving care and are living independently Things are quite strict when you’re in foster care Being a young person in care do you feel you are stereotyped and does this affect your opinion of yourself? YES. I feel people see young people in care as trouble Sometimes you want to live up to the reputation of being trouble I doesn’t make you feel good about yourself when you’re pretending to be something you’re not Do you feel living in a residential care home or foster home could affect your future? I feel living in the residential care home gave me opportunities, but at the time I didn't always see them but once I left I did. If you always try to act tough it can affect the things you choose to do when you get older I wanted to prove that I could succeed like any other young person

31. Do you think being in care affects your schooling, your friendships and other relationships? Being in care affected my family relationships and some friendships, but it gave me a better start in completing my GCSE’s as they got me extra tuition I think you have to be determined to get what you want from your education It can be difficult dealing with lots of other family issues but other people have that too Are you less safe because you are in care? I was safe from harm from my family but at risk of other issues because of different people you mix with while you’re in care What do you think needs to change to ensure the safety of young people in the care system? More awareness from staff members about the needs and vulnerability of people in care Young people in care have opportunity to mix with older men and drug dealers which can be dangerous There needs to be more curfews and procedures in place to protect young people Workers need to listen more to young people and hear what they are saying rather than just going through the processes without actually having heard what young people are concerned about Conclusion: The young people consulted feel at times they have many different concerns and anxieties that to that of young people not in care. Whilst transitioning into the leaving care team they have many new responsibilities to deal with which can require a lot of support and guidance.

32. Youth Shield’s thoughts on taking things forward…