Keeping children and young people safe is one of Islington’s biggest priorities, and this engagement brings together the voices of 843 residents to help shape the Youth Safety Strategy for 2025–2030. Children, young people, parents, carers and professionals shared their experiences of safety and the challenges they face in their everyday lives, offering a rich and honest picture of what matters most to them.
To make sure a wide range of voices were heard, the council used a mix of online surveys and in person focus groups. Three tailored surveys were created for young people, parents and carers, and professionals, each designed using evidence based questions and approved through ethical and information governance processes. Alongside this, twelve focus groups were held with different communities including SEND young people, primary school pupils, youth council members, parents, carers and frontline professionals to allow for deeper conversations about safety, support and solutions. This combination of methods ensured that both broad trends and lived experiences were captured.
The findings show that safety is shaped by far more than crime. Young people spoke about the importance of trusted adults, emotional wellbeing, belonging and having safe places to spend time. Parents and carers raised concerns about online harms, exploitation, school exclusion and the pressures facing families. Professionals highlighted the impact of poverty, racism, housing instability and trauma, which can make some young people more vulnerable than others.
The engagement also highlighted the strengths already present in Islington, such as committed youth workers, strong community organisations, inclusive education ambitions and a shared commitment to putting children first. Young people offered clear ideas for change, including more visible safety measures, better activities, improved relationships with police and more welcoming spaces where they can relax, learn and connect.
This engagement will directly shape the Youth Safety Strategy 2025-2030, which takes a Public Health approach that considers the wider conditions influencing children’s safety in Islington. The priorities of the strategy will reflect what residents told us matters most and will guide how the borough works together to create safer futures.