STREET safety has been revealed as young people's biggest concern in Hampshire.

Teenagers and young adults shared ideas on how to tackle street safety, hate and hostility and substance misuse at the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Youth Conference.

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 raising concerns.

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.”

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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.

Explaining why they chose hate crime as their priority, Emelie Molin, 24, said: “I chose hate crime because so much of today’s crime originates from hateful and hostile mindsets.

"I believe a person with a healthy mind, and healthy values, are less likely to wish harm upon others.

"Let’s, therefore, work towards diversity and inclusion, not hostility and isolation.”

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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.”

The conference was held on Saturday, November 19, and all recommendations were put to Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Terry Norton.

The recommendations set out how young people would like to see organisations work together to make improvements to the safety of young people, as well as more funding for safety projects, education and campaigns on particular crime types, and harsher sanctions for perpetrators.

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.

“The sharing of these recommendations with the police, local authorities, and third sector partners will ensure that the voices of young people are heard by decision-makers and partners whose responsibility it is to keep young people safe.”

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