What do young people in Hull say are the big issues for them?
There's often a number of things that bug young people or that make their lives difficult.
There are lots of organisations trying to improve these things, and while there isn't always enough money to make everything perfect, unless you let others know about the problems, nobody can try and sort things out.
Together young people and organisations in Hull, like Hull City Council, the Police and schools have also come up with ways of making things better. See for yourself...
“It’s not fair being a young person other people always think we’re going to cause trouble”
Many young people in Hull think they’ve got a bad reputation amongst older people and the media that they don’t all deserve.
Young people are working with Hull City Council to get positive messages across in the local media about all the good stuff young people are doing. Over time it is hoped that this will change people's attitudes.
“People always moan at us for hanging around but there’s nowhere to go”
Young people said they were desperate for more things to do. So as part of Hull City Council's sports and play strategies more play and recreation facilities and activities are being provided. There is also a youth strategy which is funding projects like youth shelters, youth clubs and music and arts projects.
“It’s too easy for kids to get hold of drugs”
Some young people in Hull are worried about drugs. They feel there are too many of them around and they’re too easy to get hold of.
Hull City Council, the Police and young people are doing loads to try and sort out issues about drugs.
The Police are tackling dealers of hard drugs in estates and areas with known drug problems. Hull City Council and health partnership, through information projects and website likes this, are making sure young people can find out the facts about drugs to help them make the right decisions and how to get help.
“Young people want to stop crime and anti-social behaviour too”
Crime is often much lower than we think it might be - but because it's often in the local paper or on the TV we tend to think that it is everywhere - but it isn't. However, young people can sometimes be a victim of crime, for example of mobile phone and bike theft, assault and hate crime.
The Police, Hull City Council and Local Safety Partnership are putting loads of time and money into making Hull safer for young people by raising awareness of these issues, trying to get young people to think about their safety and avoid becoming a victim of crime, and to catch those who are responsible for crimes.
“Help stop bullying”
Everyone knows bullying is out of order. In Hull, through training for teachers and special anti-bullying officers in schools, citizenship lessons and through special counselling services, the city is trying to help those being bullied make it stop.
Hull City Council has a team of people to work with schools to help them stop bullying. Call 0800 9154545 for more details.
How can you get involved?
Hull City Council and young people have created seven local area Youth
Forums. You can get involved with them and try to help change things that matter to you. Ring (01482) 585297or send an email to hullyouthcouncil@hullcc.gov.uk to find out which is the nearest Youth Forum to where you live and how to get involved.
