Our City, Our Future. Understanding the needs of young people in Westminster in 2020/21

Report by Rocket Science for Young Westminster Foundation 04 06 08 Introduction About Young The 2020 from Phil Barron Westminster Needs Analysis Foundation

1o 20 28 Impact of Life Plans // Youth Voice Covid-19 Education, and Action Training and Emplyoment

36 42 48 CONTENTS Health and Physical and Community Wellbeing // Sexual Health and Spaces Mental Health

56 60 68 Transport Crime and Safety Internet and Social Media

72 80 82 Calls To Action Peer Research: Appendices What Did We Learn?

85 Thank You Co ntents | 3 Our City, Our Future describes the issues and The need for YWF and the which provides an opportunity to respond and improve experiences of young people growing up in signposting. This report provides clear findings and Westminster and has been written with the findings youth sector to adapt is ‘calls to action’ which will help focus and frame YWF’s of ten peer researchers at its heart. We conclude that priorities for the coming few years. despite a challenging year, young people are optimistic needed more than ever. It for their future. The report is the culmination of over is incumbent upon us all This report serves as a tool for the wider Westminster a year’s work which started before the pandemic, community including YWF’s 100+ member continued through the height of the lockdowns and is as a sector to continue to organisations, business partners, Westminster City published now in March 2021 as schools reopen their Council, Met Police and NHS to collaborate and to doors after the UK’s third national lockdown. Working provide spaces to listen and open a conversation about the needs of young people with Rocket Science, Partnership for Young London respond. and act together. YWF believes that every young and Kings College London’s MSC in Public Policy & person in Westminster should grow up healthy, safe Management Programme has allowed us to draw and happy with the best opportunities for brighter on a wealth of research expertise to inform the work The pandemic has further exacerbated social and futures. Coming out of this pandemic the world will be undertaken through the time of Covid-19. economic inequalities in Westminster; this was a different place and our future lies with young people.

highlighted through the focus groups in terms of The Foundation believes that youth voice should be at Our 2017 needs analysis, A City Within a City, was poverty, access to food, poor living conditions, the centre of decision-making. a defining point in establishing Young Westminster isolation, physical and mental health and access to Foundation (YWF) and our strategy. Listening to young education. The need for youth services has never been people’s experiences helped establish four of the most so acute. YWF has been able to respond in real time to pressing themes for our work including Crime and some of the initial findings of the research, for example Safety; the Local Environment; Health and Wellbeing through the Digital Futures Project, providing over Philip Barron, CEO and Accessing Opportunities. This framework has 1,800 laptops for disadvantaged families. Young Westminster supported our approach to fundraising and developing Foundation programmes. The report also provided a number of Young people reported that the pandemic has had recommendations which have focussed our work a significant impact on their lives, however it is over the past three years including ‘acting as a bridge encouraging to hear this is tempered by a certain between different organisations and sectors’ and optimism and motivation about communities 1 The Prince’s Trust Tesco Youth Index (2021) https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about-the-trust/ ‘brokering applications to external funders’. Fundraising supporting each other better in the future. Nationally, news-views/tesco-youth-index-2021 to sustain the sector and having a positive impact on 74% of young people believe their generation “can young people has been a massive drive and we have change our future for the better”1. The potential for increased our turnover from £200k to £1.4m in three stronger youth voice and action is really exciting. years. The emerging data on unemployment for young people Three years later, refreshing the needs analysis, the in Westminster is stark and suggests an urgent need sector is more cohesive and collaborative; supported to respond. There are several practical responses and reinvigorated by the new infrastructure of youth to this emergency outlined in the ‘calls to action’ hubs established by YWF and Westminster City Council including greater collaboration between schools, youth (WCC) in 2019. These partnerships have paved the organisations, WCC Early Help and businesses. way for a systemic approach to the research published here. Unfortunately, during the planning we had not Another major area of concern arising in this report is foreseen a pandemic breaking out at the same time as around mental health and emotional wellbeing. Young focus groups were due to get underway. people in Westminster face significant pressure. There has been progress with partners collaborating on this We were able to quickly adapt the project through issue locally but we need to maintain momentum to I ntr o ducti n | 5 virtual means and share the initial findings from focus improve referral routes, co-location of counsellors and groups in the first phase of the project in an efficient develop new interventions in existing community and way to keep partners up to date on the changing settings. A further theme emerging from this research situation for young people. is around accessing information on a range of services, INTRODUCTION FROM PHIL 4 | I ntr o ducti n Young Westminster Together, the YWF community shares a vision for all ABOUT YOUNG Foundation (YWF) is a cross young people in Westminster to grow up healthy, safe, and happy with the best opportunities for brighter A b o ut Yo un g W estminster Fo undatio n | 7 sector partnership connecting futures. youth charities, young people, WESTMINSTER YWF’s 100+ members range from large youth clubs to businesses, Westminster City smaller grass roots organisations; all driven by their Council and other partners passion to provide the best services, opportunities FOUNDATION and support for local young people. such as universities, the Met Police & the NHS. The Foundation believes that youth voice should be at the centre of decision making. Their goal is to identify and address the challenges faced by young people today, all the while ensuring that they are truly at the heart of the conversation. THE 2O20 NEEDS ANALYSIS

Established in 2016, Young Westminster Foundation’s The first stage involved Rocket Science conducting first piece of work was to conduct a peer-led needs bi-weekly focus groups with Westminster youth analysis, examining the experiences of young people workers in the Spring and Summer 2020 to under- scoping working online training growing up in the borough of Westminster. That report, stand the varied impacts of Covid-19 on young people, in January 2020 attended A City Within A City, formed the basis of the Founda- leaning into existing relationships between young workshops by 30 organisations from tion’s strategic direction to date. As part of this work, people and youth workers 1 4 for peer researchers with the YWF committed to undertake a regular needs across the Young Westminster hours of Rocket Science & Partnership analysis every three years. The second stage of the research involved Rocket community for Young London Science and Partnership for Young London training Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Young Westminster young peer researchers to interview 98 young people Foundation began work with Rocket Science, King’s in Autumn 2020 (information about interviewees is College London and Partnership for Young London to provided in Appendix 2.) The peer researchers were MSc students Westminster conduct a broad assessment of young people’s needs recruited through YWF’s member organisations and from King’s College London youth in Westminster. The project would examine the experi- were asked to conduct interviews with a range of co-designing organisations ences of various communities of young people across their peers. While this report cannot represent all 2 22 the borough; with a particular focus on the new Youth young people in Westminster, youth practitioners the project contributing insight Hub regions and localised experiences, ensuring the were consulted to explore the experiences of young research was representative of the diversity of experi- people who may not have been represented in peer ence across Westminster. The emergence of Covid-19 researcher findings. required this planned approach to change resulting in a focus groups in depth two-stage simple, flexible and online research process with 14 youth workers interviews (details of which can be found in Appendix 1): 8 throughout Summer 2020 98 with young people

peer researchers recruited to co-design 10 research questions and conduct interviews 8 | T he 2020 N eeds A nalysis 11% Asian/ Covid-19 Asian British Top 3 Most Important Crime & Safety Social/Political issues Tackling Racism 17% Mixed/ 60% (n=58) of respondents Multiple Ethnic Groups were female, 39% (n=38) were male and 1% (n=1) of participants 29% Black/ selected ‘prefer not to say’. 65% (n=63) were aged 13-16 and 34% African Black British (n=34) were aged 17-25. Just under 3/4 95% of young people expressed that a loss of 40% White free travel would impact felt supported by how they get around. their youth club 3% Other Ethnic Groups during the pandemic.

Young people generally feel safe in Westminster, but (29%) 1/3 of young people Over 70% thought it would be ‘very expressed concern difficult’ or ‘somewhat about people carrying 44% of young people Over half of young people difficult’ to find out about knives; being followed education, employment or ambushed; or sexual Over 3/4 or training opportunities. harassment or assault. of young people

felt that mental health issues expressed that Covid-19 had (56%) reported that they were common amongst a significant impact on their ‘often’ or ‘sometimes’ came Young people in Westminster their peers. plans for the next across fake or unreliable 6-12 months. news in relation to Covid-19. most frequently use social media (58%), watch TV Over 3/4 shows or films (53%) and see or talk to friends (52%) in their spare time. identified ‘body image pressures’ as a concern associated with the use of social media. 96% of young people interviewed Fewer than one in ten T he 2020 N eeds A nalysis | 11 Of the local services on offer to young people in Westminster, the most commonly used are local parks cited by 92% of young people. These activities are all things that felt that they could greatly influence change in can take place virtually from home suggesting that responses may be had participated in social action relation to the social and political issues that Over half (53%) of young people interviewed had used a sports ground or sports centre impacted by Covid-19. in the past six months. they care about. and (50%) had accessed a youth club. 10 | T he 2020 N eeds A nalysis 12 | Impact of Covid-19

IMPACT OF COVID 19 not inwork,educationortraining. pandemic, increasingto40%amongthose to copewithlife” sincethestartof of youngpeopleadmittheyfeel“unable 26% feel aboutthemselves. longer theyarejobless,theworse Employment orTraining) agreethatthe of NEETs (thoseNotinEducation, 65% confident abouttheirfuturework. of youngpeople(23%)donotfeel quarter a around

2 ONS2020https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/ageing/articles/coronavirusandthesocialimpactsonyoungpeopleingreatbritain/3aprilto10may2020 4 ONS2020https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/ageing/articles/coronavirusandthesocialimpactsonyoungpeopleingreatbritain/3aprilto10may2020 3 AllfindingsfromThePrince’s Trust Tesco Youth Index (2021)https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about-the-trust/news-views/tesco-youth-index-2021 5 ThePrince’s Trust Tesco Youth Index (2021)https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about-the-trust/news-views/tesco-youth-index-2021 IN WESTMINSTER? IN OF YOUNG PEOPLE IMPACTED THE LIVES HOW COVID-19 HAS (58%) agreeingthattheyare“moremotivatedthanever”.⁵ have madethemwanttofightforabetterfuture, withmorethanhalf within sixmonths.⁴Two-thirds saythepoliticaleventsofyear 2020, 55%ofyoungpeopleexpected theirlivestoreturn tonormal how longtheyexpect theeffectsofpandemictolast–inJune been reportedtobemoreoptimisticthanolderagegroupsabout Despite challengesfacedduringthepandemic,youngpeoplehave anxious and depressed.³ are significantly more likely to feel for unemployed young people who people’s mental health, particularly the impact Covid-19 of on young There is widespread concern about their well-being(22%),work(16%)andhouseholdfinances(16%).² their mainconcernswereeffectsonschoolsoruniversities(24%), expressed worryabouttheeffectCovid-19washavingontheirlives, impacts onthelivesofyoungpeople. Amongyoungpeoplewho Covid-19 anditsassociatedrestrictionshavehadwide-ranging

-19 | 13 | -19 vid Co f o mpact I INSIGHT FROM WESTMINSTER IMPACT OF COVID-19 YOUTH WORKERS ON ON YOUNG PEOPLE’S PLANS THE IMPACT OF COVID-19

Focus groups were held with 14 Poverty & limited would be very unlikely to impact Covid-19 has had a significant impact on young people due to changes youth workers between April and their own health. Young people including school closures, loss of employment, and a lack of social July 2020 to explore impacts of access to food were largely receiving informa- engagement. Covid-19 on young people living tion about Covid-19 by word of in Westminster. Youth workers Young people and families felt mouth and many believed that it 44% (n=43) of young people interviewed expressed that Covid-19 were recruited from across the pressure relating to food access, was a conspiracy. While young had a significant impact on their plans for the next 6-12 months Young Westminster Foundation with parents being asked to make people would usually look to youth whilst 48% (n=47) said that it had a small impact on their plans. Only membership including youth supermarket trips and provide workers for information and advice, 7% (n=7) of young people felt that Covid-19 had not changed their plans hubs and specialist services e.g. three-four meals per day. Many access was limited during the at all for the next 6-12 months. support for young people at risk families reported struggling to crisis. of homelessness, and support access food vouchers, though When asked what the most pressing concerns were for young people for young people experiencing youth workers felt they were Westminster youth workers from over the next 6-12 months, youth workers suggested: mental health issues. Key findings generally willing to ask for help Future Men also provided included: where needed insights on the impact of Covid-19 on young people in the Poor living borough via Young Westminster Mental health Mental health Foundation. conditions During the initial lockdown in Practitioners voiced concern One reported that not being spring/summer 2020, young able to socialise was having an about various elements of young Access to support from people other people were experiencing people’s living conditions including impact on mental health and peer than peers or family e.g. mentors boredom and frustration, alongside overcrowding, safeguarding issues, interactions⁶. anxiety. Day-to-day uncertainty isolation, and limited access to led to concern amongst young support when a parent experiences “We are expecting a big Engagement with activities after people not knowing what would a mental health condition fallout of young people, school and at the weekend e.g. sports happen next and not being able they are not socialising and leisure to plan their futures. Despite this, enough and are becoming some young people experienced Access to education increasingly anxious and a reduction in the stresses associ- The extent to which schools volatile towards one another” ated with attending school or were supported ongoing learning varied Westminster Youth Worker Educational support fearful about going back to an across schools with only some (Future Men) educational setting due to the risk providing young people with of getting Covid-19 and passing it guidance and structure and across on to family members lockdowns, with some schools Isolation and being unable to socialise developing their practices over Another described children coming and communicate with others in Physical health time. Learning from home meant person pupils could not support each to the youth club to collect food to & exercise other as easily and created anxiety take home to their families⁵. around catching up on missed Many young people reported Unemployment schoolwork. Some pupils were also “These young people are feeling less fit and healthy and and financial issues worried about readjusting to school hungry – there are young some described feeling newly full time after time away people who are 11-12 years appreciative of exercise and old who secretly come into sports facilities. For some young the youth club to get food for people, lockdown provided an Perceptions of their families.” Lack of routine opportunity to try new sports and Covid-19 Westminster Youth Worker vid -19 activities online that they would (Future Men) not have previously engaged with It was felt that young people face-to-face had received mixed messages about Covid-19 including being Family life including issues told to take it seriously and stay such as parental anxiety 6 This quote was provided separately to the research carried out

o f Co 14 | I mpact at home, whilst hearing that it by Rocket Science. ACCESS TO INFORMATION SUPPORT PROVIDED TO YOUNG ABOUT COVID-19 PEOPLE DURING THE PANDEMIC

Young people’s access to reliable news % 100 2 10 8 10 13 34 during the pandemic was mixed

38% (n=37) and 43% (n=40) of young people found it ‘very easy’ to access reliable information on Covid-19 as a health condition and on Covid-19 guidance and social distancing rules respectively: Of young people 6 who were accessing 30 the services shown in this chart, they Most young people found it 'very easy' or 'somewhat easy' to access reliable information felt most supported about Covid-19, whilst around a fifth found it 'somewhat difficult' or 'very difficult' by youth clubs. % 50 38 37 37 40 Young people were offered 40 support during the pandemic by a 6 9 range of youth services, including 30 their schools and colleges, youth 12 17 13 clubs, faith groups, workplaces and 20 local mental health services. 3 3 4 3 10 Of these services, young people most frequently felt ‘very 0 11 supported’ by their youth clubs; the N/A Very difficult Somewhat Somewhat Very easy service which attracted the lowest difficult easy proportion of people feeling ‘very supported’ was school. Covid-19 as a health condition (e.g. symptoms or treatments) Please note that the number 3 8 3 of responses for each of these Covid-19 guidance and social distancing rules 12 services was as follows: local mental health services (14); school 3 (63); college (18); faith group (22); workplace (27) and youth club (44). Over half of young people, (56% (n=55)) reported that they ‘often’ or 1 ‘sometimes’ came across fake or unreliable news in relation to Covid-19: 1 2 0 1

Often 28 Local mental School College Faith Group Workplace Youth club health services Sometimes 27

Rarely 37 Very supported Somewhat supported Somewhat unsupported Very unsupported I mpact o f Co

vid -19 Never 6

% 0 25 50 vid -19 | 17 o f Co 16 | I mpact “More guidance on social Better enforcement of distancing within school and more enforcement” Covid-19 regulations when attending schools and youth clubs

"By them managing the 2m rule better and wearing a mask more often"

“Ensure that everyone has a stable home environment” Improved support with the home environment and their financial situation Youth workers suggested One youth worker explained that when the second lockdown began, young people “really did not want the “Extension of the furlough that one of the main ways club to shut and wanted physical contact to stay… they scheme and greater job in which Covid-19 impacted wanted to be able to be away from family for security/guarantee for the future” young people was that all a few hours”. community clubs e.g. youth When asked how support provided to them during the pandemic could have been improved, young people clubs and after-school clubs identified the following:

were closed. “If they had checked up more on our mental health and schoolwork” “Outreach could be better to individuals” More and better organised online lessons and remote More frequent contact learning from school, “Encourage teachers to and improved methods including more regular “Make sure we are keep contact and some more actually doing the work” of communication in physical or face-to-face check-ups and support particular using one-on-one direct support” e.g. with mental health and communication and face-to- completing work face support where possible I mpact o f Co

vid -19 “More time for individuals rather than groups” “Planning the working at

home better” vid -19 | 19 o f Co 18 | I mpact HOPES FOR THE F Although lockdown is still ongoing, young people were asked how they hoped things would change in their community following the outbreak of Covid-19, responses included:⁸

U Bring the community "Hopefully after this lockdown that together and we have now, things will go back to normal" encourage people to support each other “I hope we will be able to see each other whether inside or outside T and be able to hug” “People will be more willing to help each other out and show compassion to each For there to be sustained other” health measures and “Bring the community together by finding hygiene awareness new ways of collaborating and working U together” “I hope people will start being more careful and acknowledging the risks For things to go back they put others in by not abiding by the Covid safety rules” to normal, services to reopen and socialising “I want people to wear masks properly R so that the spread is lessened” to be allowed “I really hope it changes because “I hope that things go back to normal no one really follows the government’s and that there will be more opportu- rules seriously” nities for the less fortunate, or for the young people that have lost out on E things over the course of 2020” vid -19

8 Other categories that came up, but for which fewer than five responses fell into included: improved labour market; fewer cases of Covid-19; reduction in Covid-19 restrictions; and improved mental and

o f Co 20 | I mpact physical wellbeing. 22 | Life Plans ²² WCC, 2017 ²¹ DataprovidedbyWestminster CityCouncil by thepopulationbasebeingundercounted(CityofWestminster HardshipOverview, 11December2020). ²⁰St James’s (49%)hasbeenexcluded fromthistable. Itis theunexpected anomalyofthewards,wherevastmajorityyoungpeoplearethoughttobestudents-itislikely thatthehighratesarecaused ¹⁹Information providedbyWestminster CityCouncil ¹⁸City ofWestminster HardshipOverview, 11December2020. ¹⁷City ofWestminster HardshipOverview, 11December2020. ¹⁶Both examples fromtheHealthFoundation(2020)https://www.health.org.uk/publications/long-reads/generation-covid-19 ¹ ¹⁴City ofWestminster, HardshipOverview, 11December2020. ¹³IES (2019)https://www.employment-studies.co.uk/system/files/resources/files/532_2.pdf p.16 executive-summary.pdf p.32 ¹ ¹¹ ¹ ⁹ ONS(2020)https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/ageing/articles/coronavirusandthesocialimpactsonyoungpeopleingreatbritain/3aprilto10may2020 ² ⁰ ⁵Resolution Foundation(2020)https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/young-workers-in-the-coronavirus-crisis/ The SuttonTrust quotedinInstituteofHealthEquity(2020)http://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/resources-reports/build-back-fairer-the-covid-19-marmot-review/build-back-fairer-the-covid-19-marmot-review- Pupils withSENastatementoforEHCP LG Inform,https://lginform.local.gov.uk/search

LIFE PLANS

▪ Apprenticeships, whichareimportantinreducing 2020, youngpeopleexperienced negativeeffects Overall, Westminster’s youthunemploymentrate is wellbeing, finances and self-esteem. employment have arange wider of impacts e.g.on their Young people’s experiences in education, training and EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING EDUCATION, Covid-19 onschoolsoruniversitiesexpressed concerns or beenfurloughed,comparedtoone-in-sixadults employees (excluding students)havelostjobs challenging position” -one-thirdof18-24year-old encing higherlevels.¹⁴However, duringthepandemic of fixed period exclusions amongstpupilswithSEN economic crisissuchashigherunemployment,lower of alabourmarket stillrecoveringfromthe2008 of beingunabletoattendschool,collegeoruniver of pupilswithSEN¹¹inWestminster wereexcluded (7.92%) thanpupilswithSENacrossLondon (12.15%). (58%), thequalityofeducationbeingaffected(46%) aged 25-64.¹⁵ as normal.¹²PriortotheoutbreakofCovid-19inearly affected allyoungpeopleequally, for example:¹⁶ sity. Mostyoungpeoplewhoreportedanimpactof and amovetohome-schooling(18%).⁹ about theuncertaintyoverexams andqualifications significantly impactedbyCovid-19–May2020 younger workers haveexperienced “thebruntofthe Impacts onemploymentduringthepandemichavenot During Covid-19, youngpeoplehavefacedperiods Prior tothepandemic,Westminster’s rateoffixed hit tojobsandpay, withtheveryyoungestinmost inequalities inworkandincome, havebeen below averageinthecapital,with23boroughsexperi pay growthandincreasingoffersofprecariouswork.¹³ population (6.28%)wasaround60%higherthan period exclusions fromschoolforthewhole fewer than40%ofapprenticeshipswerecontinuing from school(7.92%) thanthewholeschoolpopula tion (6.28%).However, Westminster hasalowerrate the London average(3.98%).10Ahigherproportion

Young peoplefromaminority ethnicbackground were morethantwiceaslikely tooutofworksince have losttheirjobs lockdown thantheirpeers, with12.8%reportingto

- - - ▪ Youth unemploymentisnotequallydistributedacross 2019 onwardsshowthattheunemploymentratefor 25-49. ClaimantcounttrendsfromSpring

Confidence iscitedasasignificant barriertoyoung out ofwork:²¹ of Westminster.²⁰ Inareaswith long-standinghigh compared tootheragegroups.¹⁸Thenumberofyoung of unemploymentforyoungpeopleseekingworkin Westminster are12%,doubletherateforadultsaged With studentsremovedfromthedata,likely levels deprivation levels,uptooneinfouryoungpeopleare December 2019to1,560in2020.¹⁹ more thantripled,goingfrom450youngpeoplein people whoareunemployedinWestminster has in Westminster.²² holds themback,andthisis consistentwithviewsheld people nationallybelievea lackofself-confidence people achievingtheirfullpotential; 54%ofyoung the borough, with higher rates being found in the North these youngpeoplehasdisproportionallyworsened

Young peopleinlower-incomehouseholdswerethe hours cutat8%.¹⁷ most likely tohavelostemploymentorhadtheir Church Street Queen's Park Westminster Harrow Road Little Venice Westbourne Maida Vale Bayswater Churchill

Ward 15% 16% 20% 24% 11% 15% 15% 24% 25% work whoareunemployed % of18to24sseeking

| 23 | lans P ife L PRESSURE TO ACHIEVE EDUCATION, SUPPORT TO MAKE EDUCATION, TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT SUCCESS TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT- RELATED DECISIONS

Young people in Westminster experience pressure to achieve education, training and employment success. Almost Given high levels of pressure experienced by young people to achieve education and career success, it is impor- half (48%, n=47) of interviewees rated this level of pressure as ‘very high’. Another 41% (n=47) rated this at ‘some- tant that young people are receiving adequate support to understand their education and training options and what high’. Only 2% (n=2) of young people rated the pressure as ‘very low’: to plan their future careers. Although most (60%, n=59) young people reported that they felt ‘very supported’ or ‘somewhat supported’, one in ten (10% n=10) young people reported that they feel ‘very unsupported’ by their school or college to make decisions about their education, training or employment:

89% of young people rated the level of pressure young people experience 10% of young people felt very unsupported at school or college to achieve education, training or employment success as 'somewhat high' or 'very high' to make decisions about their education, training or employment

Very high 47 Very supported 19

Somewhat high 40 Somewhat supported 40

Somewhat low 9 Somewhat unsupported 24

Very low 2 Very unsupported 10

N/A 5 % 0 25 50 (e.g. not at school or colllege)

% 0 25 50

Of those attending school or college, the older age group felt more supported to make education, training and employment-related decisions:

A higher proportion of 13-16 year olds (52%) rated the level of pressure young people experience Only 14% of 13-16 year olds felt very supported at school or college to achieve education, training or employment success as 'very high' compared to 17-25 year olds (38%) compared to 34% of 17-25 year olds

33 % % 17 28 50 50 23 13 12 10 40 40 18 30 30 13-16 year olds 13-16 year olds 8 5 9 20 20 17-25 year olds 17-25 year olds 1 1 6 3 2 10 10

0 0 Very low Somewhat Somewhat Very high Very Somewhat Somewhat Very low high unsupported unsupported supported supported L ife P lans | 25 24 | L ife P lans ACCESSING OPPORTUNITIES When asked how support offered by school or college on education, training and employment could be improved, young people provided a range of suggestions including:

“Less pressure on students to “Be direct with students go for ambitious academic about suitability for roles when there is evidence Young people were positive about their ability to find out about and access opportunities. Most young people felt different courses which of not enough capacity that it would be either ‘very easy’ or ‘somewhat easy’ to find out about (63%, n=62) or access (56%, n=53) educa- may be too hard or beyond a (parental pressure can often tion, training and employment opportunities. However, around a third of young people felt that it would be ‘very student's capacity.” force young people into the difficult’ or ‘somewhat difficult’ to find out about (29%, n=29) or access (34%, n=33) opportunities: wrong route).”

Provide more advice on More sessions that explore Young people most frequently felt it would be 'somewhat easy' jobs/sectors that young people a variety of education and to find out about and access education, training and employment opportunities

are actively interested in training options; and routes % including vocational routes, and tailor this support to to identified careers 50 the capability and suitability of the young people 41 e.g. by bringing in people to speak about their careers 36

27 17 21 23 Highlight the impact that Provide information about 25 GCSE and A-Level choices can possible opportunities 10 7 have on future career options e.g. work experience, mentoring programmes 6 6

from early on so young people are able to make 0 informed choices about their subjects N/A Very difficult Somewhat Somewhat Very easy e.g. never difficult easy looked More one-to-one time and Provide financial capability informal conversations with advice including information Access opportunities Find out about opportunities staff members about career on wages, taxes and student choices finance When asked how to improve information about Ensure that there is a careers advisor in school to and access to education, training and employment offer one-to-one support for young people on how opportunities, young people suggested: to access and make use of relevant opportunities. If there is not a careers advisor, ensure that other staff More advertising of education, training and members are able to support students employment opportunities (including work experience placements) e.g. using social media; developing a School to facilitate work experience opportunities “School doesn’t teach you “More information on the “[They] don’t teach us about website that collates opportunities and is easy to and ensure that there are options for a diverse range about that - taxes and school websites and tell you finances and about what to everything. We aren’t browse through; schools sending out newsletters or of interests and that students are given opportunities about finance management.” do after school.” prepared for the real world.” emails. that are relevant to them

More sessions on education, training and L ife P lans | 27 employment opportunities at school e.g. workshops or discussions in assemblies that cover less common career paths. 26 | L ife P lans Lack of work opportunities Lack of skills-building & part time work for young & development opportunities people, particularly paid roles

Limited support into Unclear avenues apprenticeships compared to of how to get into specific university & higher education career pathways

Limited resources available Lack of support for those for teachers & schools to on the verge of exclusion support young people to access opportunities

Lack of equal access to opportunities amongst: • Young LGBTQ+ people, in particular trans people • Young people with no recourse to public funds • Young people with mental health issues.

Youth workers reported it would be beneficial to have a central location or website for this information so that young people these as the main issues could access it independently. relating to accessing Youth workers also spoke of digital poverty and how education, training and this was impacting the ability of young people to employment opportunities access education: faced by young people “Covid-19 has very badly impacted Youth workers suggested that information and support the children who we are working with… needed to identify and access education, training or [Schools] are delivering online tuition, but employment related opportunities for young people many of the families didn't register for online was limited and could be improved by having more learning for various reasons. Some [weren’t] confident that online learning would work careers advisors within youth services, particularly to with young children. Some [didn’t] have [the] offer practical and specialist support to those young proper equipment or facilities e.g. email, PC, people who do not know what they want to do. The printer etc.” importance of informal support and opportunities Westminster Youth Practitioner was also mentioned. One youth worker explained that tailored support is available to help looked after children and care leavers to access education,

28 | L ife P lans employment and training opportunities, however 30 | Life Plans

YOUTH VOICE & ACTION Two-thirds (66%)saythepoliticaleventsofthisyearhave Three-quarters ofyoungpeople(74%)agreethat“my Young peopleciteBlackLivesMatterastheissuethey 2020 sawyouthactiononarangeofpoliticalandsocial that “young people are feeling https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about-the-trust/news-views/tesco-youth-index-2021 ²³ AllstatisticsfromThePrince’s Trust Tesco Youth Index (2021) CONTEXT Nationally, research hasshown generation canchangeourfutureforthebetter." future:²³ make apositive change for their more motivated thanever” to have beenmostmotivatedbyoverthepastyear(25%). made themwanttofightforabetterfuture issues, fromCovid-19totheBlackLivesMatterprotests.

| 31 | lans P ife L SOCIAL & POLITICAL ISSUES

When asked about the social and political issues they were most concerned about, almost three quarters (74%, n=72) of young people in Westminster cited Covid-19. The other two main issues mentioned by over 50% of young people were crime and safety (61%, n=59) and tackling racism (59%, n=57):

Almost three quarters (74%) of young people identified Covid-19 as one of the social and political issues they were most concerned about

Covid-19 72

Crime and safety 59

Tackling racism 57 When asked which social and political issues seem to matter most to young people, suggestions from youth workers included: Housing & 33 living costs

32 Fighting for equality Gender equality Tackling racism, Providing more support to and reducing discrimination including the Black Lives the most vulnerable against and oppression Matter movement in society Education & training 32 of minorities

Tackling poverty 30 Local issues that will The environment Covid-19 affect young people The economy 27 and their families. inc. employment

Health 26

LGBTQ+ equality 24

The environment, sustainability 22 & climate change

Brexit 22

% 25 50 75 L ife P lans | 33 32 | L ife P lans INFLUENCING PARTICIPATING IN CHANGE YOUTH SOCIAL ACTION

Young people generally do not feel empowered to influence change.Fewer than one in ten (9%, n=9) felt that Despite around a third of young people reporting they felt unable to influence social or political change, almost all could greatly influence change in relation to the social and political issues that they care about. Almost a third (96%, n=94) of the young people interviewed had participated in social action in the past six months. The below (31%, n=30) of young people felt that they could not influence change at all: graph details the types of social action that young people have engaged in:

31% of young people felt that they could not have an influence in creating change Of the young people who participated in social action in the past six months, 87% had done this by in the social and political issues that matter to them supporting friends, peers or family members

I could not influence change 30 Supporting friends, peers 82 or family members I could slightly influence change 57 Signing a petition or sharing infor- 55 mation about a cause/issue online

I could greatly influence change 9 Going to a protest 35

% 0 25 50 Donating money to a charity or cause 33

Volunteering 31 “For looked after children and care leavers the importance of It was emphasised that looked ensuring they are receiving the right services and support after children and care leavers from the wider local authority is what matters. Being given the Taking part in activities at or 19 opportunity to make effective changes and being given platforms should be provided with platforms with your place of worship for sharing their views is something young people have said is to share their views and influence important to them.” % 0 25 50 75 100 changes: Westminster Youth Practitioner L ife P lans | 35 34 | L ife P lans Youth workers provided ideas on how the influence that young people have on social and political issues that matter to them could be improved:

27% of young people wanted to engage in new types of social action. Within this group, the following was Include young people Support for young sought: in decision making people on how to e.g. on committees and advocate for issues act on their contributions that they care about More opportunities to “More volunteering volunteer that are easy to opportunities for a specific cause like BLM - more find (e.g. through school, or alertness about ways to help” through a local volunteering Dedicated time at Provision of role models Encourage young school on youth voice website) and specific to causes for young people people to vote that young people care about and action

“Volunteering, if I had links or websites to join local More local networking Improved feedback loops volunteering groups” events to connect so young people can young people interested understand the impact in similar social and that their social action political issues is having.

A list of certified “Would like to donate money [to] certified reliable organisations that young organisations that will make people can support or donate a change” money to, should they wish:

“Going to a protest; safe in Protests that are more terms of coronavirus and accessible e.g. safer knowing it is organised by a and more Covid-secure. certified safe group” L ife P lans | 37 36 | L ife P lans CONTEXT

Mental health and emotional wellbeing can be affected by various factors such as living in poverty, negative influences of social media and the pressures and challenges of everyday life.24 Young people from the LGBTQ+ community and young people with SEND are more likely to experience mental ill health, including high rates of depression, self-harm and suicidality than their peers.25 While mental health issues are common, current systems for addressing mental health problems are mixed in their effectiveness. During the pandemic, clear links between characteristics and experiences in children and young people’s lives and their mental health have been demonstrated. NHS Digital research has found that compared to children unlikely to have a mental health difficulties, it was more common for children and young people with a probable mental health difficulties also to26:

Have a parent with Say that the first national Live in a household Worry about a higher level of Feel lonely lockdown had made falling behind with bills. Covid-19 risks psychological distress life worse

The ONS Opinions and Lifestyle Survey that has been monitoring social impacts of Covid-19 has found that young people are more likely than other age groups to report that lockdown has made their mental health worse. One in four young people feeling ‘unable to cope with life’ as a result of the pandemic, increasing to 40 per cent among those not in work, education or training (NEETs).²⁷ Young people (aged 16 to 29 years) were much more likely to report feeling lonely some of the time or occasionally than those aged 60 years and over and much less likely to report never feeling lonely.²⁸ High levels of severe mental health difficulties have resulted in one in four 17 year old’s reporting having self harmed in the past 12 months. These figures are consistently higher amongst females (28%) compared to males (20%).²⁹ PREVALENCE OF AND CONCERNS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Young people in Westminster perceived mental health issues to be common amongst their peers. Over a quarter (26%, n=25) of young people felt that mental health issues were ‘very common’ amongst their peers, and over a third of young people (36%, n=35) felt that mental health issues were ‘somewhat common’ amongst their peers. Less than a fifth (17%, n=17) of young people felt that mental health issues were ‘very uncommon’ amongst their peers:

Over 60% of young people felt that mental health issues were either 'somewhat common' or 'very common' amongst their peers

17 21 35 25

% 0 25 50 75 100 H ealth & W ellbein g | 39

Very uncommon Somewhat uncommon Somewhat common Very common

24 Healthwatch (2019) 25 YWF, 2017; Westminster City Council, 2018. 26 Public Health England (2020) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-mental-health-and-wellbeing-surveillance-report/7-children-and-young-people 27 The Prince’s Trust Tesco Youth Index (2021) https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about-the-trust/news-views/tesco-youth-index-2021 28 All findings from ONS 2020 https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/ageing/articles/coronavirusandthesocialimpactsonyoungpeopleingreatbritain/3aprilto10may20 20#impacts-on-well-being HEALTH & HEALTH WELLBEING & W ellbein g 38 | H ealth 29 UCL Millennium Cohort Study (2020) https://cls.ucl.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Mental-ill-health-at-age-17-%E2%80%93-CLS-briefing-paper-%E2%80%93-website.pdf A third of young people (30%, n=29) felt that mental health issues were a ‘significant concern amongst their peers’. More frequently (51%, n=50), young people identified mental health issues amongst their peers as being a ‘slight ACCESS TO MENTAL concern’: HEALTH SUPPORT A third of young people felt that mental health issues were a significant concern amongst their peers

A small proportion of Westminster’s young people felt that it would be ‘very easy’ to find out about and access mental health support should they need it. Young people most commonly (43%, n=41) thought that it would 19 50 29 be ‘somewhat easy’ to both find out and access mental health services. Youth workers felt that there is good advertising of mental health support both through posters and online, though acknowledged that knowledge of these services is dependent on young people’s support networks. % 0 25 50 75 100

Mental health issues Mental health issues Mental Health issues 43% of young people felt it would be somewhat easy to both find out about and are not a major concern are a slight concern are a significant concern access professional mental health support in their local area if they needed to

% 50 41 41 FACTORS IMPACTING 40 31 27 MENTAL HEALTH 30 14 14 14 20 10 Young people most frequently identified doing well at school and in exams (79%, n=77) as their main worry. Other 10 factors identified as worries by over 50% of young people included ‘looks or body image’ (71%, n=70), ‘friendships or missing out on socialising’ (69%, n=68), ‘getting a job or having a successful career’ (60%, n=59), ‘money’ (56%, 0 n=55) and ‘family life’ (50%, n=49): Very easy Somewhat Somewhat Very easy difficult difficult Doing well at school or in exams was most commonly identified as one of the main worries for young people Access professional mental health support

Doing well at Find out about professional mental health support 77 school/in exams

Looks/body image 70

Friendships or missing 68 out on socialisng

Getting a job/having a 59 successful career

Money 55

Family life 49

Loneliness & isolation 40 H ealth & W ellbein g | 41

Experiencing or 38 witnessing crime

Coming out as LGBTQ+ 34 to friends and family

& W ellbein g 40 | H ealth % 0 25 50 75 Young people provided suggestions on how their ability to find out about and access professional mental health support in their local areas could be improved. Ideas included:

"Social media needs to be used “Advertising, more “Making the process more “Making contact easier, more to put services out there” confidentiality” efficient, there can be a huge having walk-in centres, delay which disrupts the picking up the phone and accessing of a service” responding quicker”

Raising awareness of professional mental health services through using more advertising via leafleting and social media. Within this, make sure to inform young people that Ensure that the process of applying for mental health support these services are confidential is made easier and more efficient to avoid putting young people off applying and to reduce delays between applications and appointments

“Making it less “More information “Increase of a stigma” on mental health acceptance services, people have “Allowing more “[Make it] a stigma of mental of mental health services health issues – services to be free” free of charge” and are less open destigmatise” to communicating with strangers”

Make more free mental health support available for young people so they can access it without having to worry about Destigmatising mental health support money.

Encouraging schools to talk more about mental health support and teach young people about what relevant services are available. One young person also suggested that schools should offer more internal mental health support H ealth & W ellbein g | 43 & W ellbein g 42 | H ealth 44 | Health & Wellbeing

PHYSICAL & SEXUAL HEALTH 30 AnnualPublicHealthReport, 2017-2018byWestminster Council There has been a reducing trend in young people people young in trend areducing been has There Assessment (JSNA) also observed an important important an observed also (JSNA) Assessment Strategic Needs Assessment (2017) dental health health dental (2017) Assessment Needs Strategic eating disorders, care leavers, substance misuse and and misuse substance leavers, care disorders, eating on focus aparticular with group age years 18-25 of thanthecount England worse was significantly case the of Westminster sexually infection, transmitted cigarettes in the UK. Despite this, “young people who who people “young this, Despite UK. the in cigarettes obesity of any major city and in Westminster, obesity obesity Westminster, in and city major any of obesity (all sexual age groups), and health, physical activity, UK (Hansard, 2019). The YWF needs analysis (2017) (2017) analysis needs YWF The 2019). (Hansard, UK average (WCC, 2017). The Joint Strategic Needs Needs Strategic Joint The 2017). (WCC, average sexual health. and alcohol were fun (24%), stress (20%), and peer peer and (20%), (24%), fun were stress alcohol and aged 10-11 (WCC, 2017). According to the Joint Joint to the According 2017). (WCC, 10-11 aged unsafe sex, be involved in road accidents, and do do and accidents, road in involved be sex, unsafe drink alcohol are more likely to take practise drugs, consumingusing drugs, alcohol and smoking young people consume is cannabis along with the the with along cannabis is consume people young which affect the wellbeing of a young person. In the the In person. of a young wellbeing the affect which London has one of rates highest the of childhood information gap on the health and wellbeing needs needs wellbeing and health the on gap information pregnancy arepregnancy all major concerns physical health pressure (15%). (15%). pressure the in 2014 since (vapes) e-cigarettes of use increased is a cause for concern particularly in young people people young in particularly concern for acause is found that the most common reasons for taking drugs drugs taking for reasons common most the that found less well at school”.³⁰ The most common drug drug school”.³⁰ common at well most The less CONTEXT

g | 45 | g ellbein W & ealth H DRUGS, VAPING, SMOKING AND ALCOHOL

% 100 16 22 32 14 A higher Across all the health factors considered (alcohol use, drug use, proportion of smoking cigarettes and vaping) 17-25 year olds are more worried young people % in Westminster 17 60 27 27 15 expressed worry 25 13 about drug use 19 12 22 10 19 10 40 and smoking 9 15 8 14 8 8 14 7 14 7 cigarettes than 11 10 12 9 8 alcohol or vaping. 20 4 3 26 3 2 71% (n=68) of young people were either somewhat or very worried 0 13-16 17-25 13-16 17-25 13-16 17-25 13-16 17-25 about peers’ drug use, this figure was higher at 79% (n=27) amongst Alcohol use Drug use Smoking cigarettes Vaping those aged 17-25: 42 Somewhat worried 36 Not at all worried Somewhat unworried Very worried 38

23 IMPROVING PHYSICAL HEALTH

23 When asked if there were any activities, services or information that young people would like to gain access to that could help to improve their physical health, suggestions included:

16 Not at all worried Group activities for exercise that More accessible More outdoor sports activities would typically be done alone 17 and affordable gyms and facilities in parks 32 Somewhat unworried e.g. cycling and going to the gym

21 Somewhat worried 17 Increased offer of specific sports Increased awareness of physical health and the connection it has e.g. boxing, basketball and yoga with mental health e.g. via school and information provided by H ealth & W ellbein g | 47 11 Very worried for young people community and activity centres. 0

Vaping Smoking Drug use Alcohol use cigarettes & W ellbein g 46 | H ealth While young people most frequently felt it would be somewhat easy to find out about and access sexual health INFORMATION AND ADVICE support, over a third of young people (37%, n=30) felt it would be somewhat or very difficult to access support: ABOUT SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS³¹ Most young people felt that it would be 'somewhat easy' to find out about and access sexual health support in their local area if they needed to

% 50 35 31 Young people most frequently felt that the informa- 26 tion and advice they had received about sex and rela- “Make it more personal and not just about tionships was somewhat helpful (52%), 19% found sex, give real life scenarios” 19 16 18 that it was ‘very helpful’. Almost a quarter (24%) of 25 young people found the information and advice they had received to be ‘not at all helpful’ (9%) or ‘some- 11 what unhelpful’ (15%). 6% of young people had not 5 received any information or advice in this area. “It could’ve been improved in school by It was felt that information and advice about sex and not teaching the science stuff and start 0 relationships was not tailored to young people’s needs teaching kids the reality of it” Very difficult Somewhat Somewhat Very easy e.g.: difficult easy

“They have the wrong idea of what we Access sexual health support Find out about sexual health support need help with so it’s bad and it just makes everyone uncomfortable. They could try “Discuss things beyond science (like rights, talking about issues that actually affect what emotional abuse looks like etc..)” us now and not things that will affect us when we are 16”

▪ Moving away from a focus on heterosexual relation- Young people provided a range of suggestions of ships and spend more time teaching about LGBTQ+ how the information and advice they have received relationships: about sex and relationships could be improved. These included: “Focuses on straight relationships - more ▪ Offer more sessions, workshops and discussions on focus on LGBTQ+ relations in form time sex and relationships in schools and youth clubs and curriculum”

▪ Making advice relevant to young people to increase engagement including adapting advice to different groups of young people depending on their needs and sensitivities e.g. consider religious needs “Sex education for the LGBTQ community at school” ▪ Teaching about sex and relationships in a realistic manner in terms of how it will impact young people’s lives, rather than just the science relating to sex. Suggestions including teaching young people about ▪ Providing easy and free access to contraception the benefits and risks of sex; talking through realistic through Westminster youth clubs. scenarios and evaluating them; and discussing how H ealth & W ellbein g | 49 to spot signs of emotional abuse:

“They could teach us about the risks and the benefits”

& W ellbein g 48 | H ealth ³¹ Questions on sexual health were optional, of the 98 interviewees, 81 chose to respond. 50 | Community & Spaces

COMMUNITY & SPACES ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ WESTMINSTER The City ofThe Westminster City encompasses a diverse There are 70,995 young people in Westminster, 28% 28% Westminster, in people 70,995 are young There Youth Hubs and the 100+ youth organisations who who organisations youth 100+ the Youth and Hubs City Council reported on to barriers Council reported accessingCity 36 independent schools.³³ A report by Westminster byWestminster Areport schools.³³ independent 36 Specific local for services youngpeople includefive Serving young across inlocalities specific people Serving culture which included reasons such as not knowing knowing not as such reasons included which culture central location, connectedness and assets which and assets connectedness central location, of the total population; 10% of these are 17-24, are these of 10% 6% population; total the of Westminster is home to 24 museums, 56 theatres, and and theatres, 56 to 24 home is museums, Westminster West End, the seat of the UK G UK the of seat the End, West UK universities.³²UK Council’s Westminster City “City a World Heritage site, as well as 62 state schools and and schools 62 as state well as site, Heritage a World and London across from to individuals available are are 130 looked after children who are supported supported are who children after looked 130 are There 5. 5% under are and 5-10% are 7% 11-16, are cultural and to events travel of expense the and unwillingness or hesitancy to try out new things.³⁴ tounwillingness or try hesitancy venues; distance and time to get these venues; and and venues; these to get time and distance venues; what is on; money e.g. unaffordable ticket prices prices ticket e.g. unaffordable money on; is what Foundation.³⁷ These Youth are: Hubs London and nation’s the landmark sites, including the beyond. range of communities, industries, and many of of many and industries, communities, of range AND LOCAL rate in Westminster is 29%.³⁶ is Westminster in rate poverty child The elsewhere.³⁵ 61 and live borough, the in live 69 which of Council, City by Westminster form the membership ofform membership the Young the Westminster for All” strategy recognises its diverse population, population, diverse its recognises strategy All” for to shape the overall development of youth services services youth of development overall the to shape closely together Youth work the Hubs borough, the SERVICES

LIVING IN IN LIVING CONTEXT Amberley Youth Project(FutureMen) Avenues Youth Project Churchill GardensYouth Club(FutureMen) St Andrew’s Club Fourth FeathersYouth &CommunityCentre overnment, and top top and overnment, 39 CityofWestminster HardshipOverview, 11December2020 38 EarlyhelpStrategy 2019-2022,https://www.westminster.gov.uk/sites/default/files/early_help_ 37 CityofWestminster, CityforAllVisionandS 36 Trust forLondon, London's Poverty Profile2020, https://www.trustforlondon.org.uk/data/boroughs/ 35 InformationprovidedbyYoung Westminster Foundation,originallyfromWCC 34 Westminster CityCouncil,Access toCulture:ACultureofCulture, https://www.westminster.gov.uk/ 33 UKGovernment,FindandCompareSchoolsinEngland(2021),https://www.compare-school- 32 CityofWestminster, CityforAllVisionandStrategy 2021/22, There are over 22,000 in households low-income Young and Westminster Youth the Foundation Hubs Strategy 2019 – 2022.³⁸ This represents a commitment acommitment –2022.³⁸ 2019 represents This Strategy or council tax benefits.³⁹ Studies conducted by the the by conducted Studies benefits.³⁹ tax council or change and increased resilience for families. to their used are resources that so needs, emerging of young people, Youth Hubs are supported to supported Youth are Hubs people, young of who are for ambitious of practitioners community (2018) have identified to haveWestminster third- the Westminster City Council and the Trust for London Trust London the for and Council City Westminster Westminster live in on housing dependent housing in children all of aquarter over and Westminster, Westminster. agreed priorities, but also the behaviours that will will that behaviours the also but priorities, agreed their and children puts which system Help Early an a diverse range of youth organisations, forging forging organisations, youth of range a diverse undertake projects that have a lasting impact on on impact alasting have that projects undertake sharing and leadership, local they bring together youth work. Driven by insight and the experiences experiences the and byinsight Driven work. youth c42ffd79-4525-4113-b829-6e3f57d1194e behind only Kensingtonbehind only and Chelsea. of 32 the payhighest London inequality boroughs, sustained to create ‘system’ the across adopted be to jointly due only not ambitious is strategy The best. have signed up to the jointly developed Early Help Help Early developed jointly to the up signed have and fostering a thriving opportunities partnership innovation and Through collaboration. knowledge- champions that amodel of part as Westminster in strategy_2019_2022.pdf sites/default/files/access_to_culture_task_group_report.pdf families first and strives to create a joint response to response joint a create to strives and first families to create Westminster in key all organisations from minster&geographic=la&for=primary performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=default&table=schools®ion=213&la-name=west the quality of provisions for everyone growing up in in up growing everyone for provisions of quality the westminster-poverty-and-inequality-indicators/

trategy 2020/21,https://indd.adobe.com/view/

| 51 | paces S & mmunity Co YOUNG PEOPLE'S ACCESSING LOCAL SERVICES SPARE TIME & ACTIVITIES

Young people in Westminster most frequently use social media (58%, n=56), watch TV shows or films (53%, n=51) Of the local services on offer to young people in Westminster, the most commonly used are local parks cited by and see or talk to friends (52%, n=50) in their spare time. These activities are all things that can take place virtually 92% (n=88) of young people. Over half (53%, n=51) of young people interviewed had used a sports ground or from home suggesting that responses may be impacted by Covid-19. sports centre and 50% (n=48) had accessed a youth club:

The following graphs show areas of similarity and difference in use of spare time for males and females³⁷ and 92% of interviewees had access a local park in the last 12 months young people of different ages:

While 61% of males exercise in their spare time, this figure is 10% for females Local park 88 % 100 Sports ground/centre 51

30 Youth club 48 75 Library 41 35 33 22 23 20 17 29 27 25 Gym 39 50 13 Drama/theatre group 7 11 15 11 25 % 0 50 100 5 8 3 6 75% of interviewees from the north of the borough had accessed a sports ground or centre 0 in the past 12 months compared to 36% in the south of the borough

Use social Watch TV Online See or talk Listen to or Cook Play video Read books Exercise media shows/films browsing to friends create music games 7 Local park 20

Male Female 12 Sports ground/centre 20 Young people who are aged 17-25 more frequently read books, cook or exercise in their spare time compared to 13-16 year olds 2 % Youth club 4

75 7 20 15 35 Library 33 33 16 17 31 30 27 14 50 50 13 11 10 9 8 16 8 Gym 25 21 8 6

6 Co mmunity & S paces | 53 0 Drama/theatre group 25 Use social See or talk Watch TV Online Listen to or Play video Exercise Cook Read books media to friends shows/films browsing create music games % 0 50 100

13-16 17-25 North South 52 | Co mmunity & S paces Westminster has a large range of creative and cultural % 100 spaces including theatres, Across the North and South of the borough, interviewees most commonly reported that music venues, museums and 16 22 32 14 they 'never' make use of local art galleries, museums, music venues or theatres art galleries. 13 However, over half of the young people interviewed reported that they ‘never’ make use of art galleries % (63%, n=62), museums (51%, n=50) and music venues 12 36 75 (54%, n=53). Additionally, 44% (n=43) of young people 34 34 9 32 never go to the theatre. This suggests that these 8 8 26 42 50 services are not accessible or appealing to young 6 people in the borough. Young people who said they 5 13 3 3 10 9 11 10 ‘never’ or ‘rarely’ access these services were asked 25 38 2 7 2 9 9 2 why? The most common reasons were: 1 1 1 1 4 3 1 5 0 ▪ That they were not interested in the arts or that North South North South North South North South these specific arts services were not targeted at Art galleries Museums Music venues Theatres young people: 17 16 Never Rarely Sometimes Often “They aren’t very interesting to young 23 people" ▪ Supporting youth organisations e.g. youth clubs to 42% of interviewees reported that there was some- have longer opening hours thing they wanted to do in their local community in the past 12 months but that they could not. ▪ Make travelling to youth activities and services easier and safer “Feels out of place – [the displays are] Of the people who explained what stopped them pretentious and racially divided” doing the thing they wanted to do, 82% explained that ▪ Increase the awareness of youth activities and 23 this was due to Covid-19 restrictions. Other reasons services through advertising. included that:

17 ▪ The activity or facility was not available (8%) Youth workers expressed a need for flexible funding ▪ That these services were too expensive or that they 11 to allow youth services and activities to “be agile” and did not have the time to attend. ▪ The activity or facility was difficult to travel to (4%) target their spending on what is most needed. In the 32 meantime, the importance of providing young people One youth worker expressed the value of young ▪ A parent or carer didn’t want them to (4%) with technology (laptops, WiFi etc.) was highlighted so people being able to access these services claiming that they could access virtual activities as well as better that: ▪ The activity or facility was too expensive (2%) promotion of activities and services. One youth worker expressed that: The young people who specified that the activity or facility were not available mentioned basketball and tennis as two sports that are not well catered for in the “Young people could be better resourced and “It is important to allow area. supplemented to enable them to realise their potential, especially those in the most deprived young persons access 0 Young people were also asked what changes they wards as they often feel they do not belong in Westminster.”” to all of the venues in Theatres Music Museums Art would want to see in community and youth activi- venues galleries ties/services available in Westminster. Suggestions Westminster Youth Worker Westminster to make included:

them feel worthy”. Co mmunity & S paces | 55 ▪ More affordable activities to provide more choice to Westminster Youth Worker Never Sometimes young people, including more youth clubs and more outside activities

Rarely Often ▪ Increase the availability of accessible advice and support e.g. outside of school hours 54 | Co mmunity & S paces Below is a case study detailing the experience of a young person in West- minster who accessed the Future Men Transition Project.⁴⁰ This provides an example of services on offer in Westminster and the impact that they can have for young people:

Client A came to the country in January and was due to start primary school March, but this did not happen due to closure of schools. The family have struggled since seeking asylum in the UK but have been receiving support from Family Lives. Client A is ESOL and speaks very limited English meaning he had no friends and would spend large amounts of time on his phone or with adults. Client A was referred to the summer program by a Family Lives support worker as they felt he would benefit from the enriching 6-week period.

Being new to the country is not easy and as this year will be his first time going to school in England, the transition workshops really benefited Client A, conversations were had about what he learned about secondary school and what he could expect. Client A reported to feeling more excited now that he had attended workshops and been with people his age. This also helped to improve his English and gain confidence speaking, looking back from one word answer responses and speaking very quietly at the start of the program to answering questions and talking to everyone more was a successful outcome attained. Taking part in the summer program therefore helped Client A learn a bit about London, play sports which in turn can lead to a new hobby and most importantly experience socialising and making friends in a new country.

“The summer program was very good, and I enjoyed taking part, I made friends and tried Go karting and Kayaking for the first time, I enjoyed this program and look forward to doing more”.

Client A Future Men, Transition Project Case Study Co mmunity & S paces | 57

56 | Co mmunity & S paces ⁴⁰ This case study was provided by Future Men to Young Westminster Foundation 58 | Community & Spaces

TRANSPORT ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ 41 YouGov/Child Poverty Action Group(2020)https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/ Young people(aged18andunder)havebeenableto YouGov fortheChildPoverty ActionGroupfoundthat⁴¹: campaign waslaunched.Research conductedby rate since2005.In2020, inresponsetoplanscut free travelforyoungpeople, the‘Don’t ZaptheZip’ mayor-hosts-roundtable-with-young-campaigners travel onpublictransportforfreeoratadiscounted

CONTEXT Almost halfofyoungpeople(45%)saidtheywould Almost threequartersofyoungpeoplesurveyed Over half(54%)ofparentsbelievetheywouldhave on food (74%) usetheirZipcardtogetschoolorcollege ahead, with41%sayingtheywouldhavetocutback and morethanathird(36%)ofthoseinlow-income have tocutbackonseeingfriendsandfamilyiffree places forapprenticeship/trainingplacements) More thanaquarterofallchildrensurveyed(26%) families worrythatscrappingfreetravelwouldlimit travel wasscrapped. to cutbackonsomethingelseifthesuspensionwent their optionsforschool/collegeplaces(orwork -

| 59 | paces S & mmunity Co BUS 36% HOW YOUNG PEOPLE TRAVEL WITHIN & OUTSIDE OF WESTMINSTER WALK 31% The bus is the most frequent form of transport for young people in Westminster to get around in Westminster and London

Young people were asked how they typically travel When asked if there was anything that would make around Westminster and London. Over a third (36%, them more likely to travel around and explore new n=35) of young people use the bus, followed by 31% parts of London, young people suggested: (n=30) who walk. These are currently the two forms of free transport for young people in London. When asked about the removal of free bus travel for under Reduction in cases of Covid-19 18s, 70% (n=63) of young people said this would impact and the associated restrictions on the way they travel. Asked to explain their answers, these respondents observed:

▪ Young people rely on public transport Specific activities that are affordable ▪ The loss of free transport will mean young people e.g. interesting new places to go, events targeted at incur extra costs young people, to take part in sports activities and more advertising of the above mentioned activities ▪ Young people will take public transport less and therefore it will make it harder to get to places, seven young people specified that they would opt to walk instead of taking public transport if they had to pay. Cheaper transport and safer cycling options CAR 12% TUBE 9% CYCLE 7% TRAIN 5% Co mmunity & S paces | 61 60 | Co mmunity & S paces 62 | Community & Spaces

CRIME & SAFETY ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ To addressconcernsaboutcrimeinLondon, TheMayor Across London, themajorityofYoung Londoners feel 18-24 and4%wereunder17, fromOctober2019to 39 YouGov/Child Poverty Action Group(2020)https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/mayor-hosts-roundtable-with-young-campaigners 34% from2018/19to2019/20. Duringthisyear, there 634) orsexual comments(34%,218of639). September 2020. Throughouttheyear2019/20there of London setuptheViolenceReduction Unitin2018 enced jokes ortauntsofasexual nature(30%,191of crime ofallLondon boroughs,though ithasdecreased (23%). Young femalesaremorelikely tohaveexpe (84%).⁴³ Aroundaquarterofyoungpeople(26%)know (68%, 435of642),whilearoundathirdhaveexperi Westminster hasthehighestSeriousYouth Violence someone whohascarriedaknifeorisingang safe intheareawhichtheylive(74%)andatschool dents.⁴⁶, aged under25.⁴⁵Westbourne, LittleVenice and which works towards⁴⁴: was a58%reductioninknifecrimethesixmonths were 604youthviolencevictimsaged1-19, and 111 In Westminster, 21%ofvictims ofallcrimewereaged have experienced unwantedstaringoverthelastyear rienced sexual harassmentthanyoungmales:over Knightsbridge andBelgraviaHydePark were in theboroughiscommittedbyWestminster resi however, only40%ofyouth violencethattakes place rate per1000residentsofallLondon boroughs, knife crimewithinjuryvictims. recorded asthewardswithhighestnumberof knife withinjuryvictims,33%(n=37)ofwhichwere following theoutbreakofpandemic,comparedto the sixmonthsbefore. Theratesofviolencevaried two-thirds ofgirlsinschoolyears10and11saythey

CONTEXT Supporting parentsandcarerstocreateresilient Reducing schoolexclusions andkeeping young Enabling youthpractitionerstoreachyoungpeople Providing youngpeoplewithpositiveopportunities people ineducation in A&Eandcustodysuites home environments to developskills. 47 Westminster hasthe4thhighestrateofknife - - - “43% all violent of crime in Westminster is located ⁴⁸ ⁴⁷ ⁴⁶ GLA(2018),APublicHealthApproachtoSeriousYouth Violence:SupportingEvidencehttps://data. ⁴⁹ ⁴⁵ Westminster CityCouncil,AnalysisofSeriousYouth ViolenceOctober2019-September2020 ⁴⁴ MayorofLondon (2021)https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/mayors-office-policing-and-crime- ⁴³ AllstatisticsinsectionfromMOPAC (2018)https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/youth_ ⁵⁰ Contextual safeguardingofyoungpeopleisapriority crime intheboroughwasdescribedbyamemberof within StJames’s and West End wards, fuelled by Westminster CityCouncil: Westminster City Council Officer ⁵⁰ Whereas non-resident youth violence is most and children.OfparticularimportanceinWestminster is across theborough;West End,St James’s andWest ster (LSCP, 2019).TheGLApublishedthe‘Making smith &Fulham,Kensington &ChelseaandWestmin sises designingplacesandstreetsforyoungpeople serious harm. concentrated in the West End and StJames’s area.” Partnership whichisajointinitiative involvingHammer London Child-Friendly’strategyin2019whichempha initiatives suchastheLocal SafeguardingChildren knife crimeoffences.⁴⁸Thisgeographicalnatureof bourne werethewardswithhighestnumberof involved victimswhoweredeemedtobeathighriskof people affectedbyabuse(WCC, 2017).Over280cases received over1,300referralsrequestingsupportfor between 2017-18,forexample, theAngelouPartnership Offending Service (YOS) cohorts reside and where Gangs and Exploitation Unit (IGXU) and Youth for Westminster CityCouncilandissupportedthrough mopac/our-priorities/making-london-safer-young-people north the borough of where most the Integrated of the issueofViolenceagainstWomen andGirls(VAW there are greater concentrations deprivation. of ⁴⁹ the strong night-time economy. Most youth violence voice_survey_report_2018_final.pdf Operations andIGXU teams residents is more likely to be concentrated in the residents. Youth violence involving Westminster in Westminsterin committed is by non-Westminster Westminster Foundation,originallyfromWCC’s CityWideOperationsandIGXU teams Westminster CityCouncil,AnalysisofSeriousYouth ViolenceOctober2019-September2020 london.gov.uk/dataset/a-public-health-approach-to-serious-youth-violence living inthemareQueen’s Park, Westbourne andChurchStreet, InformationprovidedbyYoung Information providedbyYoung Westminster Foundation, originallyfromWCC’s CityWide Westminster CityCouncil,AnalysisofSeriousYouth ViolenceOctober2019-September2020 The wardswiththehighestnumbersofIntegratedGangsandExploitationUnit(IGXU) cohort Quote providedbyYoung Westminster Foundation,originallyfromWCC officer

- - G); -

-

| 63 | paces S & mmunity Co INSIGHT FROM WESTMINSTER FEELINGS OF SAFETY IN YOUTH WORKERS WESTMINSTER

In summer 2020, Westminster youth workers were Westminster youth workers from Future Men also Almost all young people interviewed (94%, n=92) stated that they felt safe when they were out in Westminster asked how better relations with the police and oppor- provided insights on crime and safety in Westminster.⁵¹ during the day, compared to 72% (n=71) in other parts of London. At night, over half of young people (52%, n=48) tunities for youth voice and action could be supported. One expressed that incidents of youth violence were stated that they do not feel safe in Westminster and 74% (n=68) that they do not feel safe in other parts of London. They provided the following suggestions: impacting young people’s feelings of safety: The borough is perceived to be relatively safe by young people; perceptions of feeling unsafe relate to the night- time, rather than the local area itself. ▪ While providing spaces for young people to talk is important, it is also crucial that discus- The following graphs show feelings of safety amongst all interviewees; those in younger and older age groups; sions lead to policy change to demonstrate “Following two murders males and females; and from the south and north of the borough: respect for youth voice and prevent further youth disenfranchisement in quick succession in North West Westminster 94% of interviewees reported that they mostly feel safe ▪ Youth organisations and schools can support youth when they are out in Westminster in the day compared to 48% at night voice and action by giving them a platform and the in Summer of 2020, young confidence to affect change. During this time (July people in the immediate % 92 2020), it has been useful for youth organisations to 100 have fluid programmes to create spaces for young area are voicing feelings people to talk about racism as and when is needed, of increased paranoia and 71 68 particularly as some young people are less able to 48 talk to parents fears for their safety both 44 50 inside and outside of 27 ▪ Police officers could benefit from training around 24 de-escalation and talking to young people, and their households” young people should be supported to make Westminster Youth Worker 6 complaints to the police where needed (Future Men) 0 In the day At night In the day At night ▪ Greater dialogue, trust and sharing of intelligence between youth workers and police teams. 13-16 year olds more frequently feel unsafe in Westminster at night than 17-25 year olds

⁵¹ This quote was provided separately to the research carried out by Rocket Science % 58 33 25 100 45 26 42 35 17 27 12 50 18 8 20 4 5 1 0 13-16 17-25 13-16 17-25 13-16 17-25 13-16 17-25

Westminster Westminster London day London Co mmunity & S paces | 65 day night night

Mostly feel safe Mostly do not feel safe 64 | Co mmunity & S paces In Westminster, 58% of females do not feel safe in Westminster at night, compared to 40% of males SAFETY CONCERNS % 54 36 100 42 28 41 25 32 21 23 14 ‘People carrying knives’ was reported as the most frequent (77%, n=73) concern for young people in Westminster in 50 relation to crime and safety. This was followed by ‘being followed or ambushed’ (71%, n=67), sexual harassment or 16 10 14 10 assault (71%, n=67) and theft or stealing (67%, n=64): 4 2 0 Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Westminster Westminster London day London day night night People carrying knives 73

Being followed 67 or ambushed Sexual harassment 67 or assault 58% of interviewees from south of the borough reported that they mostly do not feel safe in Westminster during the night, compared to 38% of interviewees from the north Theft or stealing 64

% Violence 63 53 15 People using 100 62 14 or dealing drugs 11 40 10 35 30 People joining gangs 62 6 22 50 17 5 15 Hate crime 52 2 1 2 % 0 50 100 0 North South North South North South North South Westminster Westminster London day London day night night People carrying knives and sexual harassment are the two safety concerns that a higher proportion of 13-16 year olds are worried about than 17-25 year olds

37 Mostly feel safe Mostly do not feel safe People carrying knives 26 Being followed 36 or ambushed 25 Sexual harassment 41 or assault 25 36 Theft or stealing 25 48 Violence 24 People using 38 or dealing drugs 24 44 People joining gangs 22 31 Hate crime 20 % 0 50 100

13-16 17-25 66 | Co mmunity & S paces People carrying knives and sexual harassment are the two safety concerns that a higher proportion of 13-16 year olds are worried about than 17-25 year olds IMPROVING SAFETY IN WESTMINSTER 28 People carrying knives 43 Being followed 26 or ambushed 39 Sexual harassment 28 or assault 37 24 Theft or stealing 36 26 Violence 35 Young people were asked how to improve feelings of safety in Westminster and suggestions included: People using 27 or dealing drugs 33 ▪ More youth clubs or youth activities to give young people something to do 30 People joining gangs 32 23 “Open up more youth services, more “A place they could go to, to Hate crime 27 “Putting more activites funding for sports areas, free access enjoy themselves for example a in safe places” to facilities, open up more services to youth club” % 0 50 100 Young Person support young people” Young Person Young Person

Males Females ▪ Improved community services that offer support to young people

▪ Regenerating areas of the borough that feel less safe e.g. by ensuring that there is adequate lighting

▪ Increased crime management and education on crime.

“Educating young boys more about gun crime, gangs and knife “We could have more workshops crime. Funding people to end poverty” on knife crime” Young Person Young Person

Youth workers were also asked to provide suggestions on how feelings of safety could be improved. Several ideas were similar to those put forward by young people themselves:

Work on making schools a safer place to be e.g. by providing information sessions on safety awareness and preventative measures and reducing levels of bullying and peer pressure

More and better resourced youth services and support More peer leaders in the community to support young including youth clubs with experienced youth workers, people to have more positive images of themselves group activities to form connections between different groups of young people from across the borough Co mmunity & S paces | 69 Devote time and resources to control hate speech and Safer physical spaces including housing estates being reduce division within the community based on identity. redesigned and back streets being better lit

Improved relationships with the police, with mention of increased local community policing to enable this and short term actions including young people learning their rights in relation to stop and search 68 | Co mmunity & S paces 70 | Community & Spaces

INTERNET & SOCIAL MEDIA “Being online canbeahugely positive experience ⁵⁵ HouseofCommons(2019)https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/ ⁵⁴ ⁵³ ‘Children’s MediaLives’ (2020), parentsareconcerned ⁵ According toastudyconductedbyOfcomcalled of socialmediaandtheinternet,mostyoungpeople online. MOPAC’s Youth Voice Survey(2018)ofyoung find accesstobepositive. IntheOECD’s Programme and aquarterhadbeensentrudeorsexual content.⁵⁴ add themorspeaktoonline;aquarterhadfaced about thecontentwhichyoungpeopleareexposed to useful tohavesocialmedianetworks ontheInternet”.⁵⁵ study of15yearolds,90.5% ofboysand92.3% girls someone sayingmeanthingsorbullyingthemonline; describe lifeatpresentas‘digitalbydefault’.⁵² concern about the relationship between technology cmsctech/822/822.pdf p.17 Despite afocusonconcernsassociatedwiththeuse Londoners reportedthatoverhalfofyoungpeople Many childrenandyoungpeoplearespending in theUKagreedwithstatementthat“itisvery had experienced someonetheydidnotknowtryingto increasing amountsoftimeonline, leadingexperts to double the average prior to Covid-19”.⁵³ and the mental health children of and young also presents ariskharm and of there is growing for InternationalStudent Assessment(PISA) wellbeing ² people… The pandemic hasbrought this into sharp hours per day during lockdown, which is nearly focus with children’s screen time averaging nine for adults, children and young people, however it impact-on-young-peoples-mental-health/ impact-on-young-peoples-mental-health/ Policy at DCMS Rachel Bishop, the Deputy Director Online Harms of CONTEXT LSE(2020)https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/medialse/2020/12/21/life-is-digital-by-default-so-whats-the- MOPAC Youth Voice Survey(2018)p.23 LSE (2020)https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/medialse/2020/12/21/life-is-digital-by-default-so-whats-the-

| 71 | paces S & mmunity Co IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH ON YOUNG PEOPLE'S LIVES THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Over half of young people rated the impact of social media on their lives as neutral, with 28% of young people When asked about specific issues associated with the use of social media amongst young people, over three rating the impact as ‘somewhat positive’ or ‘very positive’ and 19% as ‘somewhat negative’. No young people rated quarters (76%, n=74) of young people identified ‘body image pressures’ as a concern. Other frequent concerns the impact of social media as ‘very negative’: were bullying and/or harassment (62%, n=61), fake or unreliable news or information (62%, n=61); and photos or messages being shared without a person’s consent (61%, n=60):

Over half of young people rated the impact of social media on their life as neutral Body image pressures 74

Bullying and/or harassment 61 18 52 21 6

Fake or unreliable 61 % 0 25 50 75 100 news/information

Photos or messages being shared without a 60 Somewhat negative Neutral Somewhat positive Very positive person's consent

Being sent or seeing unwanted explicit 55 In contrast, of nine youth workers who responded to a survey, two thirds (n=6) expressed that they felt social media or offensive content generally has a negative impact on young people’s lives. Unwanted direct When asked about time spent on social media, 62% of young people responded that they ‘feel fine with how much messages or comments 53 time they spend on social media’. However, 31% responded that they ‘want to spend less time on social media’.

Sexual harassment 53

Fear of missing out 46

Worry about not having enough followers/likes 34

% 0 50 100

Youth workers felt that the main concerns associated with young people’s lives online or use of social media Co mmunity & S paces | 73 included: online violence including hate speech, bullying, trolling and grooming; access to explicit content and information; over familiarisation with violent and sexual topics; damaged self-confidence and issues relating to identity and body image; and friendship burnouts due to intensified interactions.

Despite these concerns, 93% of young people do not feel that they need additional support in relation to managing concerns or pressures on social media. 72 | Co mmunity & S paces 74 | Calls To Action

CALLS TO ACTION ⁵³ YWFandpartnerswere involvedintheprocessofdevelopingcallstoaction andproducingexamples forhowcallstoaction couldbeimplementedinWestminster (highlightedingold) YWF MembersandPartners; andYWFFunders:⁵³ The followingtablesoutlinekey findingsfromthe2020/21needsanalysisandassociatedcallstoactionforYWF;

IMPACT OF COVID-19 Finding one-to-one support pandemic and value experiences the of had widely varying Young people have

Call to action YWF Funders falling throughgapsaremet ensure thevoicesandneedsofyoungpeople outreach programmesthroughtheboroughto Meet youngpeopleintheirownspaces.Develop YWF MembersandPartners and needs to understandindividuals’ unique experiences enabling youthworkers andschoolstaffmembers Prioritise opportunitiesforone-to-onesupport YWF MembersandPartners needs ofyoungpeoplepost-pandemic needs analysestounderstandthechanging Continued commitmenttoundertakingregular YWF work indigitalandcommunityspaces funding, trainingandcapacityforoutreachyouth and connectingthemtoyouthservices.Prioritise people fallingthroughgapsinserviceprovision Work withthewidercommunitytoidentifyyoung YWF signpost youngpeopletorelevantsupport Provide practitionerswithresourcestohelpthem YWF prioritise outreachwork capacity requiredforone-to-onedeliveryand Recognise andsupporttheincreasedcost and

| 75 | n o cti A To alls C Finding Call to action Finding Call to action

YWF Funders YWF Support local and London wide initiatives to Facilitate forums to strengthen relationships improve access to employment and education Youth organisations between schools and youth organisations; and opportunities for young people and schools have share learning e.g. around how to adapt to changing Covid-19 regulations and what has Example – Pledge support for GLA’s London adapted to changing worked well in providing support to young people Mission for all young Londoners to have access to circumstances during the pandemic. a mentor for one-to-one support, someone else to turn to besides school or family members throughout the Example – YWF and YWF Members and Part- pandemic and ners to commit to supporting information sharing around Covid-19 vaccine roll outs have shown their motivation to YWF Members and Partners - Enable collabora- tion and sharing resources (e.g., activity packs, collaborate digital equipment) YWF Connect organisations, services and individuals working to develop more cohesive career support for young people

Example – Develop a collaboration between the careers advice lead in each school, youth organi- sations and WCC Early Help Finding Call to action Young people seek information about YWF Members and Partners Provide young people with resources to learn varied career about less well-known careers and plan their YWF paths and options education and training pathways, with an Advertise training and employment opportunities emphasis on vocational routes (e.g. apprentice- for young people in Westminster for education and ships and vocational training) training (including Example – Advertising through YWF Our City YWF Members and Partners website vocational routes) Link young people to learning opportunities with mentors within their sectors of interest YWF Young people face Understand more about where pressure for YWF and Partners significant pressure young people is coming from by carrying out Ensure that businesses in Westminster under- research to further investigate pressure and its stand the barriers young people see to joining to achieve career causes their industry, involve young people in shaping success, however their opportunities YWF Members and Partners around a third feel Continue to work with local employability it will be difficult to programmes to facilitate work experience and paid opportunities with local employers for those LIFE PLANS find out about and young people who do not have previous experi- access opportunities ence. Ensure that work experience is open to all young people through working with youth organi- There are a range YWF Members and Partners sations as well as schools. Identify young people who may be disproportion- of inequalities in ately impacted by unemployment and planning Example – Continue to work with 2-3 Degrees, relation to young their access to careers advice and support (e.g. C

Inspire and Westminster Befriend A Family to those living in areas with long-standing high alls To A grow the Mastering My Future employability people’s access to deprivation levels in Westminster) cti o n programme employment cti o n | 77 To A alls To 76 | C Finding Call to action Finding Call to action

YWF YWF Open up opportunities for young people to be Raise awareness about existing mental health empowered to share their experiences and have services, with an emphasis on their confidentiality a say in local decision-making Over three fifths of YWF Example – Involve young people in local deci- young people felt Improve signposting and referral routes to profes- Young people have sion-making through the re-launch of the YWF sional mental health support Young Ambassador Programme that mental health a range of hopes issues were common YWF Members and Partners and are motivated YWF Destigmatise access to support through open Work in partnership with YWF Members to ensure amongst their peers, conversations in schools and youth clubs to ensure their recruitment of a diverse cohort of young people however just under community will see for decision-making opportunities YWF Member and NHS/Statutory Partners half felt it would be Consider new models for programme delivery e.g. positive changes YWF Members and Partners difficult to access CAHMS workers in Youth hubs setting after the pandemic Encourage young people to imagine bright futures and suggest solutions to local problems professional mental YWF, YWF Members and Partners and YWF Funders YWF Funders health support All three parties to work with young people Facilitate meaningful mechanisms for youth voice to identify and address gaps in mental health in grant making support for young people across the borough

YWF Work with young people to identify the types of YWF Young people sought information and advice about sex and relation- Young people Work with partners to tailor communications AND WELLBEING HEALTH information and ships that would be useful for them e.g. co-de- suggested that more based on young people’s needs advice about sex and signing sessions frequent contact and Example – Use the Our City website as a relationships that YWF resource for young people and ensure that infor- Improve awareness about local sexual health improved methods mation on it is provided in a way that meets the was realistic and services and ways to access contraception of communication needs of young people relevant for their Example – Use the Our City website to share would have improved YWF Members and Partners lives. 37% felt that it information on local sexual health services the support provided When carrying out outreach youth work, consult would be difficult to young people on the best way to get out informa- YWF Members and Partners to them during the tion on specific issues e.g. careers advice, mental access sexual health Ensure LGBTQ+ relationships are included pandemic health support etc. support in their local in information and advice about sex and area relationships C alls To A cti o n cti o n | 79 To A alls To 78 | C Finding Call to action Finding Call to action

YWF Work with Members and Partners to review the affordability of gyms and sport activities across When asked how the borough and supporting concessions for YWF physical health could young people Pledge commitment to pan-London campaign to Just under three keep free travel for under 18’s be supported young quarters expressed people primarily YWF Members and Partners YWF/YWF Funders Work to improve accessibility of activities and that a loss of free Support ongoing reduced or free travel for young sought activities and spaces for sport and exercise e.g. providing taster travel would impact people to encourage their continued use of buses spaces for sport and or beginner sessions; or online classes how they get around to explore new parts of Westminster and London exercise and reduce pressure on their overall living costs YWF Funders Prioritise improving inclusivity of sports

YWF Members Open up dialogue about drug use concerns to Just under three understand the types of advice or resources YWF/YWF Members and Partners which would be most appropriate to support Provide young people with opportunities to quarters of young young people of different ages Young people take part in positive activities and form connec- tions with young people from other parts of the people expressed generally feel safe concern about their borough YWF and Members in Westminster, peers’ drug use Consider new models of delivery of this informa- Example – Provide opportunities for positive tion e.g. in Youth Hubs however over 70% activities via an expansion of the Transitions expressed concern Project

about people YWF Members and Partners carrying knives; Improve relationships between young people and the police and supporting young people to make Finding Call to action being followed or complaints to the police where needed ambushed; or sexual YWF and Partners harassment or Work with Met Police and other appropriate agen- assault cies to facilitate introductions into the community

YWF – Work with Members and Partners to review affordability and accessibility of creative Over half of young and cultural venues in Westminster including people never tailoring activities to their interests Over three quarters YWF make use of art Example – YWF and YWF Members and Part- Carry out a best practice review on methods galleries, museums ners can support Westminster City Council’s of young people of support for young people in relation to body Cultural Strategy 2021-2025 by encouraging and identified ‘body image, collate existing resources and share these or music venues in empowering young people to participate in local findings with YWF Members and Partners Westminster culture through creation of new platforms and image pressures’ as partnerships⁵⁷ a concern associated YWF and YWF Members and Partners C

Share supportive resources directly with young alls To A with the use of social people and facilitate conversations about body cti o n COMMUNITY & SPACES media image and the impact of social media. cti o n | 81 To A alls To

80 | C ⁵⁴ Westminster City Council, Cultural Strategy 2021-2025 (2021) https://www.westminster.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/documents/Westminster%20City%20Council%20Cultural%20Strategy%202021-2025.pdf 82 | Peer Research: What Did We Learn?

PEER RESEARCH WHAT DID WE LEARN? ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Young Westminster YWF workinginpartnershipwithourmembersand Young Westminster Foundationremainscommitted 20-30 minuteinterviews,peerresearchersdescribed Conducting thisneedsanalysishasbeena organisations embarkingonsimilarprojects,including: our waysofworking.We hopetoshareourlearnings collaborative processfromtheoutsetinvolving challenging toaskotherscommittakingpartin Peer researcher reflections Foundation’s reflections a rangeofskillsthatweredevelopedthroughthe views ofotherslivinginWestminster. Whileitcouldbe Peer researchersreflectedthattheprocesswasa partners toadaptourmethodologyinresponsethe recover andre-buildfollowingthepandemic,listening in decisionmaking.Asourcommunitiesbeginto interviews withtheirpeerssuchas: process ofundertakingtrainingandconducting positive opportunitytomeetnewpeopleandhearthe for youngpeopletosharetheirviewsandbeinvolved to informourfutureresearchandsupportother three years,supplementedbyongoingopportunities to conductingpeerresearchedneedsanalysesevery to youngpeoplewillbemoreimportantthanever. limitations imposedbylockdown andthechanges to

These areimportantfordeveloping arobustmethod Collaboration iskey -Engageandlistentopartici ology includingthetraining ofpeerresearchersand comfortable (online andin-person) analysis ofgathereddata Partnerships withspecialistresearchorganisations– Building rapportandmakingintervieweesfeel Managing sensitiveinformation Designing researchquestionsandprocesses Learning howtomake researchaccessible pating organisations/individualsfromdesignthrough to launch

- - ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ YWF’s ambitions for 2023

Conduct in-personfocusgroupswithyoungpeople Utilise interviewguidesfrom2020togatherlongitu across theborough,inarangeofcommunity dinal data settings visits, WhatsAppgroupfordailycommunication, virtual trainingprogrammee.g. sociallydistanced weekly check-ins. Prioritise hearingfromyoungpeoplewhodo Develop informalmethodstosupportpeer Lean intoexisting relationships–Forexample, those borough not, atpresent,engagewithyouthservicesinthe researchers onaone-to-onebasisinadditiontothe between youthworkers andyoungpeople

-

? | 83 | ? earn L e W id D hat W : esearch R eer P were held with practitioners every two weeks. The first Core research areas: male and 1% (n=1) of participants selected ‘prefer not APPENDIX 1: group included practitioners who primarily worked to say’. 40% of respondents were white, 29% were with those aged 14 and under, and the second group ▪ Young people’s perspectives on life in Westminster Black/African/Caribbean/Black British, 17% were included those working with those aged 15 and older. mixed of multiple ethnicities and 11% were Asian/ METHODOLOGY Three topics were discussed in each group. The list of ▪ Concerns relating to crime and safety Asian British. More detail on interviewee demo- topics explored included: graphics can be found in Appendix 2. Rocket Science were commissioned by Young West- ▪ The ways in which community services and facilities minster Foundation in early 2020 to conduct a wide- could be enhanced to meet the needs of young Youth practitioner consultation: Eight youth prac- ranging youth needs assessment for Westminster. This Focus group Topics explored people titioners working across age groups and needs project was intended as part of an ongoing process submitted insights relating to the themes explored of understanding youth needs in Westminster and to ▪ Poverty and access ▪ The impact of social media use on young people’s by peer researchers. Practitioners were consulted to update findings from the previous 2018 City Within A to food lives ensure that the experiences of young people who may City Report, which can be found here. The emergence not have been represented in peer researcher findings of Covid-19 necessitated a two stage research process: Session 1 ▪ Living conditions ▪ Mental and physical health of young people, were covered through the research e.g. care leavers. including access to services Stage 1: Covid-19 impact ▪ Perceptions of Peer researcher reflection session: Young Westmin- Covid-19 ▪ Access to education, training and employment ster Foundation and Rocket Science held a reflec- research (April-July 2020) tion session with the peer researchers in November ▪ Social and political issues that matter to Westminster 2020 to discuss their experiences, skills gained from Bi-weekly workshops were held with youth workers ▪ Mental health young people participation and their impressions of pressing issues working across Westminster to explore the impacts amongst their peers of Covid-19 on young people throughout the various ▪ Access to education Methods: phases of the pandemic. Workshop findings were Session 2 Analysis and reporting: Rocket Science produced a written up in easy-to-read short reports which were ▪ Physical health, Recruitment: Young Westminster Foundation’s partner final report including an analysis of peer research and circulated amongst YWF partners and members. eating and exercise organisations circulated a link amongst young people youth practitioner findings for publication in early 2021. to sign-up as peer researchers. Ten young people aged Core research questions: under 25 were recruited through the YWF membership ▪ Sleep and routines to participate in the needs analysis. ▪ The ways in which Covid-19 impacted young people including experiences of isolation; access to food; ▪ Access to Training: Two training sessions were held with the peer engagement with education; sleep and routines Session 3 public spaces researchers in September 2020. The sessions were co-delivered by Rocket Science and Partnership for ▪ How youth organisations responded to the pandemic ▪ Youth voice and action Young London. The sessions covered the following: including the provision of online sessions; distribu- tion of activity packs and enabling access to digital ▪ Session 1: Introductions; Explanation of the research devices ▪ Relationships and their role; Research question co-design and social life ▪ Gaps in support for young people and how these ▪ Session 2: What is peer research?; Qualitative and could be addressed Session 4 ▪ Experience of trauma quantitative research; How to conduct interviews (including tips and tricks); Ethics and safeguarding; ▪ Expectations for youth needs over the next 6-12 ▪ The ‘new normal’ Consent months. Peer research: Peer researchers were paid the London Methods: Living Wage to conduct 20-30 minute interviews with Analysis and reporting: Findings from focus groups their peers. Interviews covered topics including life Recruitment: A range of youth workers were recruited were written up into short bulletins which were in Westminster; the impact of Covid-19; health and by Young Westminster Foundation to participate in published on Young Westminster Foundation’s website wellbeing; local services and support; crime and safety; bi-weekly focus groups facilitated by Rocket Science. here, and circulated amongst participants and partners. internet and social media; employment, education and Participants worked for organisations which addressed training; and youth voice and action. varying needs and supported individuals from across Stage 2: Youth needs peer the under 25 age range to ensure we gathered insights ▪ Peer researchers captured quantitative data through which were representative research project (September- multiple choice questions and recorded qualitative November 2020) discussion using open text boxes. Initial scoping workshops: Initial scoping workshops with youth workers enabled the group to outline A group of 10 young people from Westminster were ▪ A total of 98 interviews of young people aged 13-25 pressing issues for young people during the pandemic. recruited through youth sector organisations to under- were completed and submitted to Rocket Science for

These issues formed the basis of the research areas take training and went on to complete one-to-one analysis. A ppendices | 85 which were explored in more detail through subse- interviews with 98 of their peers on topics such as: quent focus groups health; education, employment and training; crime; and ▪ 65% of the young people interviewed (n=63) were the internet and social media. aged 13-16 and 34% (n=34) were aged 17-25. 60% Research areas and focus groups: Two focus groups (n=58) of respondents were female, 39% (n=38) were 84 | A ppendices APPENDIX 2: Current occupation Number % INTERVIEWEES Studying at school 61 62 or sixth form THANK YOU 98 young people aged 13-25 were interviewed. Studying at college 12 12 The Young Westminster Foundation is grateful to the following organisations and individuals 65% (n=63) were aged 13-16 and 34% (n=34) were who contributed to the findings of the Our City Our Future report. aged 17-25 (1% unknown). Full details on the age of participants are detailed in the table below. 60% (n=58) In full-time 11 11 of respondents were female, 39% (n=38) were male employment and 1% (n=1) of participants selected ‘prefer not to say’. Organisations There was a range of ethnicities amongst the young ROCKET SCIENCE FOURTH FEATHERS YOUTH & MOSAIC LGBT+ YOUNG PERSON’S people interviewed which are detailed in full in the In part-time 10 10 COMMUNITY CENTRE TRUST table below.⁵⁵ employment PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUNG LONDON FUTURE MEN CAXTON YOUTH ORGANISATION KING’S COLLEGE LONDON Age Number Percentage Studying at 6 6 AMBERLEY YOUTH PROJECT QUEEN’S PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL university WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL 13-16 63 65% Early Help Team CHURCHILL GARDENS YOUTH CLUB BRENT, WANDSWORTH & WESTMIN- Looked After Children Team STER MIND Completing an 2 2 Employability Service WEST LONDON ZONE 17-25 34 35% apprenticeship/ Youth Offending Team DREAMARTS traineeship Integrated Gangs and Exploitation Unit PEABODY HADAF PERSIAN SCHOOL ST ANDREW’S YOUTH CLUB CARDINAL HUME CENTRE Ethnicity Number % Not currently 1 1 WESTMINSTER SUPPLEMENTARY working or studying AVENUES YOUTH PROJECT SCHOOL White 38 40% Individuals 90% (n=87) of the young people lived with their parent Black/Asian/Carib- 27 29% or parents, whilst 6% (n=6) lived independently. 4% MOLLIE CLAYTON SAMEYA bean/Black British (n=4) had other living arrangements including living with their grandparents or with friends. When asked WILLIAM AVA JOSIAH “If you met someone from another part of London, Mixed/multiple 16 17% where would you say you lived?” 35% of interviewees INDY OPPORTUNE EDSON ethnic groups responded with “Westminster”. Others gave answers including West London, Central London and more MIA specific parts of the borough.⁵⁶ Asian/Asian British 10 11% Funders

Other ethnic groups 3 3%

Most (62%, n=61) of the young people interviewed were studying at school or sixth form, though there were young people represented who were attending college and university, completing apprenticeships and in full Supporters time or part time employment. There was one young person who was not in education or employment. A ppendices | 87

YWF PROJECT MANAGEMENT: MATIRA WHEELER

⁵⁶ Note there were some respondents who accessed education, training or employment in Westminster and therefore gave answers outside of the borough. ILLUSTRATIONS: CECILIA HORNER (YOU PRESS) LAYOUT & DESIGN: ALEX POWELL 86 | A ppendices Dina Papamichael, Principal Consultant [email protected]

Ciara Taylor, Consultant [email protected]

Offices: London Fleet House 8-12 New Bridge St, London EC4V 6AL 6EJ Tel: 0207 253 6289

Edinburgh 2 Melville Street, Edinburgh EH3 7NS Tel: 0131 226 4949

Newcastle The Beacon, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 9PQ Tel: 07887 67 34 07 www.rocketsciencelab.co.uk

© Rocket Science UK Limited 2021