The results of a survey of children, young people and their parents/carers around violence reduction, mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic have been released.

Between 17th January and 4th March, the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP) opened an opportunity for young people aged 13-25 years and their parents/carers to share their perceptions, opinions, and ideas on some key issues in our region.

This included perceptions around crime and violence, opinions on sharing images of weapons seized, the impact of Covid-19 on family life, and experiences of mental health and access to support.

Among the findings, just over 25 per cent of the young people who responded said they had personal experience as a victim of a crime or of violence. Forty five per cent felt that showing images of weapons seized by police was a negative thing, with 26 per cent saying it was positive.

Of those in this age group who accessed mental health support in the last two years, 58 per cent said it was “not easy” to access.

In the parents and carers survey, 25 per cent said they had been a direct victim of violence. In this group, 54 per cent felt that showing images of weapons seized was a negative thing.

When it came to the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority said there had been no positive impact. However, 61.8 per cent did say their relationships with their children was a positive aspect of the pandemic.

Both surveys have been analysed, with findings and links to further participation and support collated.

You can read they results of the 13-25 years olds here.

While the parents and carers responses are available here.

The accessibility of the 13-25-year-olds document have been peer-reviewed by the Peer Action Collective (PAC).

This consultation is just one level of participation that has been explored with Merseyside residents this year by the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership.

The findings from these surveys, along insight from the more collaborative and child-led approaches we being developed with partners, will feed directly into a Strategic Needs Assessment. Which in turn will support violence reduction strategy, activities, and decisions on where resources are directed.

Throughout 2022-2023, the MVRC will continue to work with partners, providing the appropriate space for meaningful participation with and for children, young people and communities to work together to reduce violence in Merseyside.

Liverpool is on a journey to become a Unicef Child Friendly City. You can learn more here.