Social research report for:
London Borough of Waltham Forest:
Community Cohesion Survey Findings – Final Report
12th May 2011
Table of Contents
•
Introduction
Page 1
•
Respondent Profile
Page 5
•
Participation, Decision Making and Communication
Page 10
•
Community Cohesion
Page 18
•
Perceptions of Community Safety
Page 29
•
Gangs and Gang-Related Issues
Page 47
•
Formation and Nature of Cultural Beliefs
Page 57
•
Awareness and Perceptions of Extremism
Page 64
•
Research Findings by Sub-Group
Page 75
•
Other Issues Raised
Page 82
•
Engagement Segmentation Model
Page 84
•
Conclusions
Page 102
•
Recommendations
Page 105
INTRODUCTION
1
Research Objectives
•
In January 2010 Waltham Forest Council commissioned Ci Research to conduct a survey of secondary schools in the
borough to understand more about the views of young people on extremism, gangs and community safety.
•
There were a series of objectives for the research which included:
•
•
•
•
•
To quantify and qualify the knowledge and understanding that Key Stage 4 (KS4) pupils had of extremism, gangs
and community cohesion in Waltham Forest.
To understand how extremism and gangs were affecting the lives of KS4 pupils.
To understand the factors that might be influencing KS4 pupils to develop extremist views or join gangs.
To seek views from KS4 pupils as to how to prevent extremism and gang membership amongst fellow pupils and
friends across Waltham Forest.
The outcomes of the programme of quantitative and qualitative research have included:
•
•
•
A representative sample from across the borough of the KS4 demographic.
An inclusive piece of research which has been sensitive to the issues which needed to be addressed and has
produced valid results for all members of the community.
Evidence based recommendations for use in Waltham Forest’s Prevent Action Plan and associated strategies.
2
Research Methodology: Quantitative Survey
•
In order to design an effective survey which would add value to existing knowledge of issues of community cohesion in
Waltham Forest, Ci Research facilitated a workshop with stakeholders from within the Council and representatives from
local schools.
•
All schools in the borough were invited to participate in the survey and in total six schools responded, four in the last half
term of 2010 and two in the first half term of 2011.
•
The questionnaire was developed in conjunction with the Youth Engagement Team at Waltham Forest Council and was
piloted with a group of Young Ambassadors.
•
Questions were also included to allow comparisons with previous community cohesions surveys, such as the Tell Us
Research conducted in 2008 and the Young Voice Survey conducted in 2007.
•
The questionnaire was finalised by Ci Research in accordance with the Market Research Society Code of Conduct. It was
designed to take no longer than 15 minutes to complete under supervision within tutorial groups or during PSHE classes.
•
Each school was approached to ascertain whether they would prefer paper self-completion surveys or an on-line option.
All the schools selected to complete the survey via the paper questionnaire approach.
•
Information packs were prepared for the teachers involved and each school was asked to select a full year group within
KS4 to complete the survey.
•
Completed surveys were returned to Ci Research for inputting and data verification.
3
Research Methodology: Qualitative Phase
•
During the qualitative stage, research was conducted in seven settings:
•
A group of young advisers to Waltham Forest Council,
•
Three school-based groups with a representative mix of students from each school,
•
A group with Muslim students,
•
A Christian group at a local youth organisation, and
•
One to one interviews conducted at a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU).
•
Young Adviser Focus Group: Conducted at Walthamstow Town Hall with members of the Council’s panel of young
advisers. 12 young people attended and were incentivised at their agreed hourly rate for their input to the Council.
•
School–based focus groups x 3: These were conducted with representative groups of Year 10s during PHSE,
citizenship lessons or lunch time.
•
Heathcote School – 12 students
•
George Mitchell School – 14 students
•
Willowfield School – 10 students
•
Muslim Focus Group: Conducted with 6 Year 10 Muslims attending Madrassas. Students attended Kelmscott School
and a cash incentive towards funding the end of Year Ball was provided for their participation.
•
Christian Focus Group: Undertaken with 9 young Christians attending a youth group at the Emmanuel Christian Centre.
Cash incentives were provided.
•
One to one interviews at a PRU x 7: Conducted with Year 10s at the Davis PRU in Chingford during one visit to the Unit.
4
RESPONDENT PROFILE
5
Quantitative Survey: Responses by School
A total of 628 KS4 students completed the survey across six schools. Kelmscott accounted for the largest proportion
of the sample (23%), whilst Lammas made up the smallest (8%).
Number of responses by school
School
Number of
completed
questionnaires
Connaught School for
Girls
112
George Mitchell School
99
Heathcote School
% responses by school
16%
18%
Connaught
George
Mitchell
120
8%
Heathcote
Kelmscott School
Lammas School
144
16%
Kelmscott
53
Lammas
Willowfield School
100
23%
Willowfield
Total
19%
628
6
Quantitative Survey: Gender and Age of Respondents
More than half (55%) of the respondents to the survey were female, which is a slight over representation when
compared to the gender profile for Waltham Forest (51%). A third (33%) of the respondents were aged 15, while the
highest represented age group was 14 year olds, who made up 56% of the sample.
Gender
Age
6%
7%
4%
39%
33%
56%
55%
Male
Female
Prefer not to say
14 years
Base: 527 Respondents
Balance: Not stated
15 years
16 years
Base: 533 Respondents
Balance: Not stated
NB: The sample profile is slightly over representative of females. The Waltham Forest Gender
Equality Scheme 2007/10 stated that women comprise 51.3% of the LA population.
7
Prefer not to say
Quantitative Survey: Ethnicity of Respondents
The ethnic profile of the survey demonstrates an over representation of BAME groups, with White British and White
Other respondents accounting for a quarter of the young people consulted (25%). Individuals of Asian / Asian British
origin accounted for a third of respondents (33%) and Black / Black British just under a fifth (18%).
Ethnicity
100
The sample is over representative of BAME respondents. The
ONS states that Waltham Forest has the following ethnic profile:
• White British (55.74%)
• White Other (8.75%)
• Black/Black British (15.42%)
• Asian/Asian British (14.75%)
• Mixed Race (3.55%)
• Chinese (1.79%)
90
80
% Respondents
70
60
50
40
33
30
18
20
14
11
6
10
10
2
6
0
White British White Other Black / Black
Asian /
Mixed Race
British
Asian British
Base: 522 Respondents
Balance: Not stated
8
Chinese
Other
Prefer not to
say
Quantitative Survey: Religion of Respondents
83% of the young people consulted stated that they followed a religion. Just under half (48%) described themselves
as being Muslim and a further 30% as Christian. All other religions accounted for 1% of the responses respectively.
Religion
100
90
% Respondents
80
70
60
48
50
40
30
30
17
20
10
1
1
1
Buddhist
Hindu
Jewish
1
1
Sikh
Any other
religion
0
Christian
Base: 516 Respondents
Balance: Not stated
9
Muslim
No religion
at all
RESEARCH FINDINGS:
PARTICIPATION, DECISION MAKING AND COMMUNICATION
10
Out of School Activities
The majority of respondents were able to list activities they participated in outside school, with ‘hanging out with
friends’ being the most popular pastime (75%). Just under a quarter of respondents (23%) took part in religious
activities. Almost one in ten (9%) stated that they did not participate in any activities outside school.
Participation In out of school activities
100
90
% Respondents
80
75
Higher amongst
• White British (83%)
and White Other
(82%)
70
60
Higher amongst
• Asian (29%) and Black (35%)
respondents
• Kelmscott School (33%)
47
50
40
30
23
20
10
6
10
4
9
2
0
Hanging out
with friends
Sports and
leisure
activities
Religious
activities
Study groups Volunteering
activities
Base: 619 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
11
Other
activities
Don't do any Prefer not to
activities
say
outside
school
Social Venues
In line with the number of respondents spending time with friends outside school, the most common social venues were
the homes of friends (63%) and relatives (52%). Parks were another important social venue, highlighted by almost half
(48%) of those consulted. There was very little evidence of young people travelling to other boroughs (1%).
Time spent at social venues
63
Friend's houses
52
Relative's houses
48
Parks
25
Leisure centres or gyms
21
20
17
16
Places of worship
Cafes and takeaways
After school clubs
Places of learning
6
5
5
I don't go to any places apart from my home
Internet cafes
Entertainment/shopping outlets
1
1
Sports/activity centres
Other Boroughs
5
Other places
3
Prefer not to say
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
% Respondents
Base: 616 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
12
70
80
90
100
Degree of Influence
Whilst almost half of respondents strongly agreed that they were free to make decisions about their activities outside
school (46%), this level of agreement declined significantly in terms of their ability to influence decisions which affect
them at school (21%) or in their local area (7%). In addition, there were high levels of disagreement about being able
to make a difference to how the country is run (33% strongly disagreeing).
Influencing decisions
I am free to make my own
decisions about the types of
activities I do outside school
(599)
-2-3 -9
I can help make decisions about
things that affect me at school
(579)
-2-4
I can help make decisions about
things that happen in my local
area (518)
-10
I can make a difference to how
my country is run (515)
-100%
-33
-80%
-60%
-23
-17
-40%
23
-26
-20%
46
56
-37
-21
40
15
0%
21
7
5
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
% Respondents
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Base: Shown in brackets above
Balance: Not stated / don’t know
13
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
Qualitative insights on Influence and Decision Making (1)
The qualitative research confirmed that many young people at KS4 age in Waltham Forest felt that they could make
decisions and have their say at school, but felt less empowered to influence other aspects of their local area.
•
Feedback received during the qualitative research stage tended to reflect the quantitative findings which highlighted that
young people did not feel that they could influence decision making within their local areas.
•
This was due to not knowing who to talk to about their views, but also a belief that even if they were to express
themselves they would not be taken seriously.
“Not a lot (of influence on the local
area)...We just get stereotyped.” (School
group)
“If you’re given the chance to make things in
your local area change then yes, but who has
the guts to give a teenager a chance?”
Nobody wants to do it.” (School group)
•
“I wouldn’t even know who to go to so I
wouldn’t say anything.” (School group)
This view was confirmed by the Waltham Forest Young Advisors. In general they stated that if they were unhappy with
issues affecting their local area they would discuss these with their parents rather than their MP’s. However, they did feel
that they had the benefit of also being able to approach the Youth Participation Officer due to their position as Young
Advisors, whereas other young people may not know how to make contact with the Council in this way.
“It’s a route but the majority of young people don’t have a link with the council.”
(Young Advisors Group)
14
Qualitative insights on Influence and Decision Making (2)
•
As was the case in the quantitative survey, young people were more inclined to feel like they had a say in what happened
at their school.
•
This was often through formal consultation structures organised by the school, for example pupil led committees, internal
surveys or other consultation events.
“We do a little questionnaire and everyone answers it
on behalf of their year and speaks out about stuff
people have complained about, so that’s good.”
(School group)
“We have JLT meetings where we can
have a say on things.” (School group)
•
This was, however, not always the case. Some pupils reported that although they felt able to raise concerns with teachers
or other members of staff about things they were unhappy about, this did not translate into a feeling that this would result
in any action, or the issues being resolved.
“If I told a teacher something I don’t think
anything would happen.” (Christian group)
15
Communication Routes
If the young people surveyed felt unhappy about an issue in their local area they were most likely to speak to a parent
(47%) or friend (44%). In general, respondents preferred informal communication routes rather than organising petitions
or attending meetings. A fifth (20%) of the individuals consulted were unsure how to express concern.
Dealing with issues affecting the local area
Speak to a parent
47
Speak to a friend
44
Speak to another family member
20
Speak to a teacher
16
Contact someone in the local council
14
Speak to another adult in your community
10
None of the above
10
Join an action group
6
Organise a petition
6
Speak to a religious leader
6
Attend a public meeting
6
Don't know
20
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
% Respondents
Base: 614 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
16
70
80
90
100
Key Findings: Participation, Decision Making and Communication
•
75% of young people suggested that hanging out with friends was the most popular out of school activity.
•
This was supported by limited use of formal recreational facilities, with 63% and 52% instead suggesting their time is
spent at friends or relatives houses respectively.
•
There was also limited travel, suggesting that young people of this age stay close to home and have limited experience
of other areas or communities.
•
77% of young people agreed that they can influence decisions within school, which is supported by activities such as
pupil-led committees, school surveys and consultation events.
•
In contrast, 20% of young people indicated they did not know where to turn when dealing with issues that affected their
local area.
•
Almost half (47%) of respondents stated they would speak to a parent about these issues rather than trying to engage
with the Council or other professional advocates.
•
This was seen as contributing to a feeling amongst the young people surveyed that they could not influence decision
making within the local area once outside the school environment.
•
Therefore, there was seen to be a need to help young people in this age category understand the channels available for
expressing their views and to invest more in communicating how their views are used to change things in their local
area.
17
RESEARCH FINDINGS:
COMMUNITY COHESION
18
Sense of Belonging
The young people surveyed felt a much stronger sense of belonging to their friendship groups and peers than the
wider community (58% and 46% respectively stating that they felt a very strong link to these groups). They were also
more likely to feel part of London than of belonging to Waltham Forest (32% very strongly compared to 20%). Ethnic
classifications were slightly more meaningful to those consulted than religious groupings.
A sense of belonging
Your friendship group (569)
-2 -8
Your age group (583)
-2 -8
Your ethnic group (518)
-5
London (549)
Your neighbourhood (564)
-6
Great Britain (528)
-12
Waltham Forest (526)
-12
Europe (512)
-16
-100%
-80%
-60%
-40%
40
42
-20
32
29
-27
39
45
-24
23
37
-30
27
38
-27
-20%
46
37
-20
-12
58
44
-18
-7
Your religious community (516)
32
20
33
0%
20%
23
40%
60%
80%
% Respondents
Not at all
Not very strongly
Base: Shown in brackets above
Balance: Not stated / don’t know
19
Fairly strongly
Very strongly
100%
Civic Pride
Over half (53%) of the respondents stated that they felt ‘fairly’ or ‘very’ proud to be living in Waltham Forest. This was
significantly lower than the proportion reporting to feel this way in the Young Voice Survey conducted in 2007 (84%).
One in ten (10%) of the young people consulted stated that they were not at all proud of the area.
Pride in Waltham Forest
100
90
% Respondents
80
Lower amongst:
• White British respondents (5%)
• Heathcote School (5%)
70
Higher amongst:
• Kelmscott School (24%)
60
Higher amongst:
• George Mitchell School (19%)
50
40
40
30
22
20
15
13
10
10
0
Very proud of the
area
Fairly proud of the
area
Not very proud of the Not at all proud of the
area
area
Base: 598 Respondents
Balance: Not stated
20
Don't know
Qualitative insights around civic pride (1)
The focus groups and one-to-one interviews revealed mixed perceptions in relation to whether young people felt proud
to belong to Waltham Forest. While generally acknowledging that Waltham Forest compared favourably to some other
areas of London, some respondents were less proud, citing gangs as the main reason why this was the case.
•
Civic pride measured much lower than when a similar Young Voice Survey was conducted in 2007, with young people in
this survey citing gang activity as one of the reasons why they lacked pride in their local area.
•
The majority of the young people who were consulted in the PRU also suggested that gang membership was an issue that
affected pride as it had created ‘no go’ areas in some parts of the borough, making it difficult to feel proud of the local
area.
•
However, there were some concerns that some people associated gang membership with pride, seeing it as a ‘badge of
honour’ to be linked to a gang and therefore protecting a local patch.
•
Amongst the Young Advisor group there was concern that these types of values could draw their younger siblings into
mixing with the wrong crowds as they did not understand the other more serious connotations of being involved with a
gang.
“The crime and the amount of murders that
happen, it’s always displayed on the news.”
(Young Advisors Group)
“I’m not that proud because it isn’t a good area. There’s not
one place you can go without being under threat.”
(School group)
“I think most people don’t see anything as pride. They just
see it as a place to live, unless you’re in a gang warfare”
…… “If you’re in a gang you will be very proud… too
proud.” (Young Advisors Group)
“There’s a lot of gang violence around here.”
(School group)
21
Qualitative insights around civic pride (2)
•
There was an indication from the Young Advisors forum that young people from neighbouring areas have more reason to
be proud than those in Waltham Forest.
•
This was due to the services and support offered to young people in those areas, as well as the facilities available.
“I started seeing North London helped the young people
quite a lot. They get free laptops……. They give you
money…. I know Waltham Forest won’t do that.”
(Young Advisors Group)
•
“I think one of the things that gives
Walthamstow a bad press is the lack of facilities
in the sense that we don’t have a cinema.”
(Young Advisors Group)
There were also concerns raised that this issue could get worse in the future if services were cut do to the recession,
particularly education and youth services.
“Probably the education. If that deteriorated I
don’t think I would be proud of the council.”
(Young Advisors Group)
22
Qualitative insights around civic pride (3)
•
However, there was an acknowledgement amongst the Young Advisors consulted that Waltham Forest was a better place
to live than neighbouring areas and also that the area had improved recently.
•
The strength of diversity and community spirit was identified amongst most groups interviewed.
“I think it’s the diverse culture and sense of community that we have here. We have
the biggest high street in Europe and if you go down there every Saturday it is one
massive community.”
(Young Adviser Group)
23
Ethnic Diversity
Only 2% of the respondents stated that they did not have any friends from different ethnic backgrounds. The majority
of young people had friends who were White (89%), Black (89%) and Asian (88%). Just over half (56%) had friends
from Eastern Europe.
Cultural connections
100
89
90
89
88
% Respondents
80
70
56
60
48
50
42
40
30
20
10
2
0
I have friends
that are White
I have friends
that are Black
I have friends
that are Asian
I have friends
that are from
Eastern
Europe
Base: 624 Respondents
Balance: Not stated
24
I have friends
that are
Chinese
I have friends I don't have any
from ethnic
friends from
backgrounds different ethnic
not listed here backgrounds
Community Cohesion
Over two thirds (70%) of the young people surveyed agreed that Waltham Forest was somewhere where people from
different backgrounds could get on well together, with over a fifth (21%) definitely agreeing that this was the case.
Only 5% strongly disagreed with this statement.
Waltham Forest as a place where people from different backgrounds get on well
100
90
80
% Respondents
70
Lower amongst:
• Heathcote School (8%)
60
49
50
40
30
21
16
20
10
10
5
0
Definitely agree
Tend to agree
Tend to disagree
Base: 613 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
25
Definitely disagree
Don't know
Respect for Other Cultures and Religious Beliefs
It was agreed by almost three quarters (73%) of respondents that people should respect the culture and religious
beliefs of others even when different to their own (60% strongly agreeing). Only a small proportion (2%) of
respondents disagreed with this statement.
To what extent would you agree that “people should respect the culture and religious beliefs of
others even when different to their own?
100
Higher amongst:
• Asian / Asian British respondents (79%)
• Connaught (77%) and Kelmscott Schools (76%)
• Females (66%)
90
% Respondents
80
70
60
60
Lower amongst:
• Heathcote School (27%)
• White British respondents (45%)
• Black / Black British (51%)
50
40
30
18
20
13
7
10
1
1
Disagree
Strongly disagree
0
Strongly agree
Agree
Neither agree nor
disagree
Base: 497 Respondents
Balance: Not stated
26
Don't know
Community Involvement
Almost three quarters (72%) of the respondents had done something to help family or friends in the last month. Three
fifths (59%) stated that they had helped an elderly, disabled or sick person and a further 23% that they had helped a
neighbour or someone in the local area. Less than a fifth (16%) of the young people had not done any of the community
activities tested.
In the last four weeks have you done any of the following things?
100
90
• Higher at Kelmscott School (35%)
• Lower at George Mitchell School (12%)
% Respondents
80
72
70
60
50
40
30
27
32
23
22
20
18
16
9
10
0
Helped an
elderly or
disabled
person
Helped care
for someone
who is sick
Done
something
else to help
family or
friends
Done
Volunteered Taken part in Helped out in None of these
something for a charity or or helped out a school or
else to help a a local group with a sports with a school
neighbour or
club / team
activity
someone in
the local area
Base: 616 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
27
Key Findings: Community Cohesion
•
90% of young people felt a strong sense of belonging to their friendship group as well as to others of the same age.
•
There was less sense of belonging to Waltham Forest as an area compared to London or their local neighbourhood.
•
Whist this may have contributed to a lower sense of civic pride compared to the Young Voice Survey in 2007, the
qualitative feedback tended to focus on the issue of gang-related violence and its associated problems as being the
main factors preventing young people feeling proud of their local area.
•
The cultural and diverse mix of Waltham Forest was identified as a strength of the area, with around 90% of young
people indicating that they had friends of White, Black and Asian ethnicities.
•
60% of the respondents strongly agreed that it was important that people should respect the culture and religious
beliefs of other people and the fact that Waltham Forest was a place where people from different backgrounds could
get along together was a key driver of civic pride.
•
Less than one in five of the respondents to the survey could not think of any example where they had helped out
another member of their community over the last month.
28
RESEARCH FINDINGS:
PERCEPTIONS OF COMMUNITY SAFETY
29
Community Safety
In general, the young people surveyed felt safest in school (62% very safe) or whilst travelling to or from their place
of learning (55%). Walking alone in their local neighbourhood after dark was seen as being the most unsafe activity
(56% very or quite unsafe), with respondents evidently wary of other areas of London (49%) and different parts of the
Borough (47%).
Safety in situations
On the journey to and from
school (599)
-2-5
In school (595)
-5 -5
When walking alone in your local
area during the daytime (606)
38
29
62
-2 -10
On public transport (587)
-4
55
44
-17
44
56
22
When in different parts of
Waltham Forest (566)
-10
-37
39
14
When in other areas of London
(567)
-13
-36
39
13
When walking alone in your local
area after dark (602)
-100%
-25
-80%
-60%
-31
-40%
-20%
29
0%
14
20%
40%
60%
% Respondents
Very unsafe
Base: Shown in brackets above
Balance: Not stated / don’t know
30
Quite unsafe
Quite safe
Very safe
80%
100%
Threats to Personal Safety
Nearly three quarters (73%) of respondents were concerned about the threat of gangs and almost half (49%) based
their fears on hearing stories of attacks and fights. In contrast, sexual harassment was a comparatively uncommon
cause of young people feeling unsafe (4%).
Reasons for feeling unsafe
100
90
% Respondents
80
73
• Higher at Lammas School (89%)
• Higher at Willowfield School (83%)
• Lower at Heathcote School (61%)
70
60
49
50
37
40
34
33
27
30
19
20
10
10
4
0
Gangs
Hearing
Dangerous
stories of
dogs being
attacks and
around
fights in these
places
A possible
terrorist
attack
People being The time it Swearing on
Sexual
aggressive might take for
public
harassment
towards me the Police to
transport
arrive if there
was a
problem
Base: 514 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / did not feel unsafe / multiple responses allowed
31
Other
Perceptions of Safety on Public Buses
Some respondents were able to cite specific bus routes as being particularly unsafe. The two most commonly
mentioned were the ’58’ and ‘158’ routes.
•
12% (12 respondents) of those that did not feel safe on public buses felt this way about all or most routes. The
eight most commonly mentioned routes are listed in the table below:
Bus
number
Route
No.
respondents
58
Walthamstow Central, East Ham, Central Park,
Belmont Road, Britwell Shopping Centre
13
Specific mentions were also given to the
following areas:
158
Stratford, Chingford Mount
11
69
Canning Town, Walthamstow Central
6
• Walthamstow – 16 respondents
• Hackney (outside Borough) – 13 respondents
• Leyton – 8 respondents
W15
Pembury Road, William Morris School
6
97
Leyton, Downsell Road, Chingford Station
5
48
London Bridge, Walthamstow Central
5
W11
Walthamstow Central, Chingford
5
230
Upper Walthamstow, Wood Green
4
Base: 97 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / don’t know / feel safe on the bus / don’t use public buses
32
Improving Safety on Public Buses
Almost two thirds (64%) of the respondents felt that making cameras more clearly visible would make people feel
safer when travelling on public buses. A further 58% believed it would be useful to have PCSOs on the buses.
However, just over a tenth (12%) of the individuals consulted did not feel there was a need to take any further action.
Making people safer on buses
100
• Higher amongst Asian / Asian British
(73%)
90
% Respondents
80
70
64
58
60
50
36
40
34
28
30
20
12
4
10
0
Cameras being
clearly visible
Having PCSOs
travel on the bus
Another adult on
the bus
Signs telling
people what
number to ring if
they feel
physically
threatened
Base: 590 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
33
Signs telling
people that bad
behaviour won't
be tolerated
Other
I don't think
anything more
needs to be done
Main Safety Concerns
Approximately two thirds of the young people consulted were either fairly or very worried about being mugged or
robbed (69%), physical (68%) or sexual assault (65%), or having their home broken into (66%). Suffering violence
from friends was less of a concern for the majority of respondents (only 35% expressing concern).
How worried are you about the following?
Being mugged or robbed (578)
-7
-24
Being physically attacked (581)
-9
-24
Having your home broken into and something stolen (589)
-12
-22
Being sexually assaulted (565)
-18
Being kidnapped (578)
-23
Being insulted while in the street or any other public place (582)
-15
Being attacked because of your skin colour (585)
-23
Being attacked because of your religion (581)
-31
Being attacked because of your sexuality (582)
-100%
-80%
-60%
-40%
17
-19
16
48
43
24
19
-23
30
16
11
-26
-20%
37
26
-27
-38
43
29
-16
-24
38
25
-35
-39
Violence from your friends towards you (575)
31
15
0%
30
26
20
20%
40%
60%
80%
% Respondents
Not at all worried
Base: Shown in brackets above
Balance: Not stated / don’t know
34
Not very worried
Fairly worried
Very worried
Qualitative Insights around Safety Concerns
The main safety concerns of participants in the qualitative research were around physical attacks such as muggings
and street robberies, in addition to concerns over gangs.
•
The quantitative survey revealed that the main safety concerns (other than gangs) were around being mugged and / or
physically attacked. This finding was supported by qualitative feedback from the focus groups with a number of young
people seemingly quite concerned about being a victim of a street robbery or physical assault.
“I’m reasonably worried [about
being physically attacked].”
(School group)
•
“A girl in our school was attacked by
a group of girls. Girls attack girls and
boys attack boys.” (Christian group)
It was generally felt that the reasons for such assaults were not necessarily along the lines of skin colour, ethnicity or
religion, but were opportunistic attacks motivated by material gain. More serious physical attacks were often attributed to
gang loyalties and ‘turf wars’.
“I’m most worried about being a victim
of a stabbing or a shooting by a gang.”
(School group)
•
“I’m worried about being attacked by
gangs.” (School group)
It was evident from the PRU interviews that ‘black on black’ crime was an issue, meaning that there was a higher
likelihood of being targeted by black gangs, if you were black. There was a strong understanding of which areas were
‘safe’ and which areas were high risk and this had created pockets of no-go areas within the borough.
35
Qualitative Insights around Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (1)
Worries from females around behaviour associated with sexual assault or sexual harassment were evident within the
qualitative research. Feedback revealed concerns over the perceived likelihood of this happening to them in places
that are quiet and isolated, predominantly based on anecdotal evidence of rates of occurrence.
•
The quantitative survey indicated that 65% of respondents were worried about sexual assault. As such, this issue was
investigated further in the qualitative groups.
•
Unprompted feedback demonstrated that this was a significant issue for young people in the area and was a concern for
both young women and young men (although in relation to males this tended to be due to concern for female siblings or
friends rather than for themselves).
“Being honest, I think the boys
aren’t overly worried but the girls
get really worried.” (School group)
“Sexual abuse is an issue here.”
(School group)
“I think girls are more
vulnerable. I am always worried
about it (sexual harassment).”
(School group)
•
Despite this, it is important to keep these insights in proportion as a number of the young people consulted felt that sexual
assault and / or sexual harassment or related physical attacks was not really an issue in Waltham Forest.
•
Therefore, in addressing this topic it will be important not to generate increased fears and concerns.
“It is safe… It is more safe here
than it is around there (Canning
Town).” (School group)
“Not in this area.” (School group)
36
Qualitative Insights around Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (2)
•
Feedback on the nature of this type of behaviour included being whistled at in an aggressive or inappropriate way, being
followed or observed by older men in cars as they drove by.
•
Some individuals felt that the likelihood for a sexual assault or harassment to take place was increased in quiet and / or
isolated locations and therefore this limited the areas they were prepared to visit on their own.
“Whistling, winking, maybe walking behind the girl’s
back or something...it happens occasionally,
especially in alley ways in the morning.” (Muslim
Group)
“It happens in places where
there’s nobody...Small areas
and quiet areas.” (School group)
“I think it’s older people (that harass
the young people) in their thirties and
stuff.” (Young Adviser group)
•
There were also a few anecdotal accounts of serious, sexual assaults. These were based on stories that had been heard
in the local press and from friends.
•
The respondents felt that better street lighting, more CCTV cameras and more community police officers would improve
the situation. However, in the meantime they often made sure they did not walk around on their own or in very small
groups after dark.
37
Qualitative Insights around issues of Sexuality and Safety
The young people consulted during the qualitative stage were sometimes confused as to the meaning of the word
‘sexuality’ and often related it to gender rather than sexual preference. The majority of respondents thought that
being referred to as a homosexual was not a serious put down, rather a common term used in banter.
•
37% of respondents to the quantitative survey indicated that they were worried about being assaulted because of their
sexuality. Further discussion of this area within the focus groups revealed three key insights:
1. Confusion around the meaning of the word ‘sexuality’ existed to some degree, with the young people either unsure
what it meant or when the term should be used. One of the more frequent responses was that sexuality meant
whether you were male or female.
2. Potentially linked to this misunderstanding the respondents often had a quite naïve view of the word and when
promoted to discuss whether it meant being homosexual or not often laughed this off and spoke about the term ‘gay’
being frequently used in conversations and banter but not linked to whether they actually knew or suspected if some
was homosexual.
3. Relating to the previous point, a certain degree of ignorance was demonstrated towards the consequences of calling
people names in this way, again suggesting that this was not thought of as being a serious insult to target somebody
with. Therefore, the young people lacked awareness of how they could be causing offence by using this term.
“It is just becoming a regular word
now...People just use it, it doesn’t mean
anything anymore.” (School group)
“People use the word gay in too
many ways.” (School group)
“Gay people probably even say it (the word gay)
because it is like slang really. Because that is what
we’ve been brought up on and what we us it has
just become a regular word now.” (School group)
“Some people do it in a jokey way, some
people do it in a serious way. It depends
who you’re with, if you’re with friends or
somebody else.” (Muslim group)
38
Perceptions of Risk to Young People
Over two thirds (70%) of respondents thought that gang members posed the greatest threat to their safety, while
other young people (26%) and other adults (23%) were also mentioned by around a quarter of the individuals
consulted. Only 2% stated that they did not feel young people felt at risk.
Threats to safety
Gang members
70
Other young people
26
Other adults
23
Male friends
17
Boyfriends
More likely amongst female respondents
14
Family members
10
Female friends
9
Girlfriends
8
None of the above / nobody
2
Don't know
13
0
10
20
30
40
50
% Respondents
Base: 587 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
39
60
70
80
90
100
Perceived Frequency of Physical and Sexual Attacks
Just over two fifths of respondents (41%) felt that attacks of a physical or sexual nature were commonplace in
Waltham Forest, with around one in ten (12%) believing them to be ‘very common’. That being said, a similar
proportion (39%) thought them uncommon, while a further fifth (19%) were unsure.
Frequency of physical or sexual attacks
100
90
• Higher at Kelmscott School (17%)
• Lower at Heathcote School (5%)
80
% Respondents
70
60
50
40
29
30
30
19
20
12
9
10
1
0
Very common
Fairly common
Not very common Not at all common
Base: 596 Respondents
Balance: Not stated
40
Don't know
Prefer not to say
Qualitative Insights: Time, Space and Place
In relation to concerns about the frequency of attacks, the young people who participated in the qualitative stage of
the research felt that the likelihood of being involved in an attack was significantly increased at certain times of the
day, in certain places and when alone.
•
Qualitative feedback from the young people consulted in the focus groups shed light on the influence of the local
environment on their perceptions of safety.
•
Asked if there were any particular areas or times of the day that participants felt less safe, many of the young people,
especially females, mentioned the following situations as being places where the threat of attacks on their personal safety
were increased:
•
Quiet areas such as parks and back roads
•
Areas that are built up and have more places for people to hide
•
In the evening or night time
“I would probably feel unsafe walking across a dark
street where no shops are open, no one can see
you and no one is on the road. I would probably
run home.” (Young Adviser group)
“Walking past alleyways because you know
that walking past them at night can be scary in
a way.” (School group)
“The parks aren’t very brightly lit, so you don’t know if anyone is there. If you’re
walking through the park to get home, there are really dark areas that have no
light at all, so you don’t know if anyone is hiding there and waiting for someone
to come round.” (Young Adviser group)
41
Qualitative Insights: The Power of Hearsay
It was evident from the qualitative research that the perceptions of a number of young people in relation to concerns
over safety and crime were influenced more by what they heard in the news and from other people, such as friends,
than their own direct experiences.
•
It was important, whilst conducting the qualitative research, to understand the extent to which the perceptions of safety
and in particular the worries of the young people consulted were influenced by their own, direct experiences, or were to
some extent due to what they heard from others and therefore believed to be the case.
•
It was clear from the feedback that for the young people in these groups their fears were based on both anecdotal
evidence from their peers and from media coverage.
•
To some extent, both these sources were given equal weight in terms of their validity and their impact on behaviour
change.
•
It was also noted that incidents and stories were circulated very quickly amongst peers at school, which often led to the
proliferation of certain news stories that related to safety concerns and crime.
“You always hear about it if a girl nearly gets raped
or something. That is the first thing in the
newspapers that you will hear.” (School group)
“Its just the things you hear really.”
(School group)
“You only have to be at school and it (stories
about sexual assault) will go around.” (School
group)
“Even if you don’t read about it in the
newspaper, you will always hear about it.”
(School group)
42
Confidence in Reporting Crime to the Police
More than two fifths (44%) of respondents were confident that if they were a victim of crime they would report it to
the police. However, three in ten respondents (30%) were unsure if they would report a crime against them to the
police. Just over a quarter (26%) would not have the confidence to report a crime.
Reporting Crime
Higher at Lammas (54%) and Willowfield (53%) schools
30%
44%
Yes
No
Don't know
26%
Base: 585 Respondents
Balance: Not stated
43
Being a Victim of Crime
More than half (56%) of respondents had not been a victim of crime or anti-social behaviour. Of those who had, the
most common crimes were muggings or robbings (12%), house break-ins (10%) and insults (10%). It was fairly
uncommon for respondents to have suffered violence or verbal abuse because of their religion (5%) or sexuality (2%).
Victims of Crime
No, I have not been a victim of crime or anti-social behaviour
I have been mugged or robbed
12
I have had my home broken into
10
I have been insulted in a public place
10
I have been physically attacked
Higher amongst Males (20%)
8
I have been subject to violence or verbal abuse because of the
colour of my skin
7
I have been sexually assaulted
5
I have been subject to violence or verbal abuse because of my
religion
5
I have been subject to violence or verbal abuse because of my
sexuality
2
Prefer not to say
Base: 570 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
Lower amongst Black /
Black British (49%)
56
12
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
% Respondents
44
70
80
90
100
Qualitative Insights around Making Waltham Forest Safer
Participants in the qualitative research viewed more CCTV and extra police officers as being effective ways of
making Waltham Forest safer.
• Participants in the qualitative stage were asked as to suggest how Waltham Forest could be made safer for young people.
Although there were some differences in opinion, it was generally felt that having more police on the street and more CCTV
cameras would help to do this.
“If you get mugged in a public place then people might
not know and might not be able to help. It’s also proof, it
“I think there should be CCTV cameras
could actually be proved that you actually got attacked
watching all day and all night.” (School group)
by someone.” (School group)
• In relation to the police, the majority of those consulted felt re-assured by their presence and were of the view that an
increased police presence would be beneficial to community safety.
“I actually feel safe with the police, like if I see police in the road,
I’ll be like, yeah, I’m going to walk down this road fine, no one’s
going to jump out and grab me. But I don’t see hardly any police
anyway.” (Young Adviser group)
“I would personally say if the police
were there more, like community
support in the area, I think it would
be safer.” (Young Adviser group)
• That being said, there was a suggestion that more police were required to provide an increased focus on gang activity.
“We need one hundred and twenty
more police officers. We don’t have
enough.” (Muslim group)
“I would feel safer if there was more
Police, in the back areas as well as
on the main high road.” (School
group)
45
“I think the police are scared of the
gangs and don’t want to do
anything about them.” (Christian
group)
Key Findings: Perception of Community Safety
•
93% of the young people surveyed indicated they felt safe on the journey to and from school as well as 90% feeling
safe within school. However, in terms of perceptions of safety in other areas, they had concerns about walking on their
own at night and in other areas of London.
•
Only 12% stated they felt safe on public bus journeys and expressed the potential of increased use of CCTV and
community police officers on certain bus routes to increase safety for passengers.
•
41% of young people suggested that physical or sexual attacks were ‘fairly’ or ‘very’ common. Emphasis was placed
on isolated and poorly lit spaces as being regarded as dangerous. Sexual harassment or assault was a concern
mainly amongst young females.
•
Gang members were perceived as the greatest risk to young people as indicated by 70% of participants. Furthermore,
concerns were identified around the risks of being mugged or robbed.
•
Participants expressed little direct experience of being involved in physical or sexual assaults, suggesting that they just
heard about these incidents.
•
On a positive note, over half of the respondents had not been involved in any form of crime. However, if they were to
be, less than half felt confident about reporting crime to the police.
•
Based on responses to the qualitative consultation this seemed to be due to a perception of low police presence in
certain areas and, in some cases, a view that the police were unwilling to deal with gangs and gang related crime.
46
RESEARCH FINDINGS:
GANGS AND GANG RELATED ISSUES
47
Involvement in Gangs
Three fifths of respondents (58%) were of the view that more young people were becoming involved in gangs in
Waltham Forest than used to be the case. However, more than a third (35%) were unsure or preferred not to
comment on this issue.
Proportion of young people becoming involved in gangs
6%
Yes
29%
No
Don't know
58%
Prefer not to say
7%
Particularly those from Kelmscott School (78%)
and respondents aged 15 years (68%)
Base: 600 Respondents
Balance: Not stated
48
Perceptions of Gangs
Causing trouble was identified as the main characteristic of a gang, with 44% of respondents holding this view.
Gangs were also relatively commonly described as groups of people living in similar areas (32%) and hanging
around together to socialise (19%). Gang associations linked to skin colour or religious beliefs were less common
(6% and 5% respectively).
The perceptions of a gang?
44
A group of people hanging around together to cause trouble
Asian / Asian British respondents
more likely to feel this way (53%)
32
A group of people who live in similar post-codes or areas
A group of people hanging around together to socialise
Black / Black British respondents
more likely to feel this way (30%)
19
11
A group of people who believe in the same things
6
A group of people with the same skin colour
5
A group of people with the same religious beliefs
All of the above
11
None of the above
12
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
% Respondents
Base: 575 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
49
70
80
90
100
Understanding of Gang Locations
The main geographical areas that respondents felt had problems with gangs were Walthamstow (48%), Leyton
(47%) and Chingford (35%). A relatively small proportion (6%) thought that no areas of Waltham Forest had issues
with gangs, while just over a quarter (27%) were unsure.
Areas of gang activity
48
Walthamstow
47
Leyton
35
Chingford
Highams Park
25
South Leytonstone
25
Females were less likely to
perceive problems with gangs in
most areas
24
North Leytonstone
21
Lea Bridge
19
Blackhorse Road
12
Temple Mills
6
None of these areas
27
Don't know
0
10
20
30
40
50
% Respondents
Base: 586 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
50
60
70
80
90
100
Motivations for Joining Gangs
The most commonly perceived motivation for joining gangs was to earn respect, mentioned by two thirds of
respondents (67%). Other commonly mentioned motivations included protection (55%), peer pressure (50%), safety
(48%), the influence of the local environment (45%) and boredom (38%).
Motivations for joining
67
To earn respect
55
Protection
50
Peer pressure
To feel safe
48
Because of where they live
45
Boredom
38
Because of their upbringing / family
35
They are bullied or pressured into joining
33
They are offered money
33
32
A lack of opportunities
Because they have the same interests in things
22
To go through the process of 'initiation'
12
Other
6
Don't know
12
0
10
20
30
Base: 583 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
40
50
60
% Respondents
51
70
80
90
100
Gang Membership in Schools
Nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents agreed that gang membership does not matter inside schools, although a
higher proportion (33%) did not agree with this statement. It is important to note that over a fifth (23%) of respondents
neither agreed nor disagreed, while a similar proportion (21%) were unsure how to respond.
100
90
• More likely amongst Asian / Asian British
respondents (26%)
• More likely amongst Males (21%)
• More likely amongst 15 year olds (22%)
• More likely at Kelmscott School (23%)
• Less likely at Heathcote School (6%)
% Respondents
80
70
60
50
40
30
23
18
20
10
13
21
15
10
0
Strongly agree
Agree
Neither agree nor
disagree
Base: 568 Respondents
Balance: Not stated
52
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Qualitative insights on Gangs (1)
It was generally agreed by the young people consulted in the qualitative stage that gangs were an issue in Waltham
Forest and a notable concern amongst a high proportion of young people. Gangs were felt to be numerous, areabased, and linked to the safety concerns raised previously, such as muggings and physical violence.
•
The issue of gangs featured heavily throughout all of the qualitative interviews and focus groups with gangs being cited as
one of the main reasons for a lack of pride in the local area and for concerns over safety.
•
There presence in Waltham Forest was seen as something that young people had to be vigilant about at all times and was
a constant theme in discussions about the local area and its characteristics.
“There’s lots of gangs walking past you.
Normally you see people in big groups
and sometimes you feel a bit scared.”
(Muslim group)
“They’re everywhere. There’s three
gangs in Walthamstow at least. They’re
big, well known gangs.” (School group)
•
There was a strong sense that a ‘gang’ was different to a large group of people just ‘hanging around’. Echoing themes
from the quantitative survey, gangs were seen as having a common purpose, often linked to defending a territory.
•
As noted in the quantitative findings, reasons for a joining a gang included peer pressure, the desire to earn respect or the
need to feel safe. Amongst the Young Advisors there was also recognition that gangs could provide surrogate families.
“It’s like a sense of belonging for them, they don’t feel part
of anything so when in a gang they feel welcomed… they
feel loved.” (Young Advisors Group)
“The younger ones look at the past
they’ve had, (they) try and top that.”
(Young Advisors Group)
“He tried to join a gang because of
protection, because in school there was
a year 11 guy who bullied him.” (Young
Advisors Group)
“A replacement of the family …. It’s just
about trying to be loyal to each other.”
(Young Advisors Group)
53
Qualitative insights on Gangs (2)
•
Based on feedback during the qualitative stage it was clear that the young people felt that the primary characteristics of a
gang was linked to territory, specifically postcode areas or a particular estate.
•
Whilst the type of gang varied, the link to a territory was what was most likely to define them as a gang.
“They make the postcode their
territory. They act like they own it.”
(School group)
•
“You get all types of gangs, like you
get a gang that represents a type of
area or postcode.” (School group)
A full understanding of the risks and dangers of being associated with gangs was not often expressed by the young
people in school groups. However during the PRU interviews and Young Advisor groups there was a greater appreciation
of the dangers associated with gang membership.
“Because you’re all supposed to be together,
but once you’re in it you cant get out of it. Once
you’re in it you’re not safe.” (Young Advisors
Group)
“It doesn’t matter where or what time of day it is
(gangs are there).” (PRU interviews)
54
Qualitative insights on Gangs (3)
• Despite these concerns there was considerable agreement that schools remain safe places for young people,
away from concerns about gang boundaries. This was also referred to during the PRU interviews as a number of
the respondents had links to gangs and were appreciative of the fact that the PRU was neutral territory for them.
“In a school you’re kind of slightly protected in a way. But as soon as you leave the school
gates….” (Young Advisors Group)
• It was strongly suggested by many of the young people consulted, particularly those at the PRU, that an effective
way of tackling gangs would be to introduce more CCTV ‘safe areas’ as gang members were very concerned
about being recognised by the police and having their identities known.
“Gangs won’t go to places where there is a camera. When you’re running from gangs, if you
go where there’s CCTV, you’ll be safe.” (PRU interviews)
• The Young Advisors also recognised that there was a need to provide positive engagement for gang members to
give them an alternative to their current activities and provide opportunities for them to recognise their talents.
However, in the short term they felt that the Council should provide more school bus services to help people feel
safe on their journey to and from schools as well as once they were inside the school gates.
“I think schools should start having school
busses… because it will be a lot safer.”
(Young Advisors Group)
“Explore their talents because a lot of them
have free time on their hands and are really
talented.” (Young Advisors Group)
55
Key Findings: Gang and Gang Related Violence
•
Respondents felt that there were a high volume of gangs within the borough and 58% suggested an increased
involvement of young people in gang related activities.
•
Perceptions of what defined a gang focused on territories, specifically certain postcodes or housing estates. Beyond that,
they were seen as a group of people hanging around to cause trouble.
•
There was a belief that young people joined gangs to earn respect or because they were seeking protection or were
looking for a sense of belonging.
•
With the exception of the PRU respondents and the Young Advisors there was a limited appreciation of the dangers of
being involved in a gang and the serious nature of some of their criminal activities.
•
Gangs were frequently cited as being an underlying factor in relation to many of the physical attacks and muggings that
took place in the borough. Gang violence and targeting was seen as being likely to occur throughout the day and in a
wide range of locations.
•
On a positive note, schools were seen as relatively safe environments where gang boundaries and territories were set
aside. The young people surveyed wanted to see more done to increase these safe areas, either through convincing
gangs to disband and participate in more positive activities, or through providing more protection for those outside gangs
such as supervised school bus services.
56
RESEARCH FINDINGS:
FORMATION AND NATURE OF CULTURAL BELIEFS
57
Use of News and other Information Sources
It was most common for respondents to form opinions about what was ‘in the news’ through television and radio
(81% indicating they used this to ‘some’ or a ‘great’ extent) and the internet (77%). There were also frequent
mentions of family members (75%), friends (71%) and local (67%) / national (66%) newspapers. Religious leaders
(47%) and politicians (45%) were least commonly mentioned.
Influencers on opinion
Television and radio (506)
-3
The internet (502)
-15
-4
Family (492)
-19
-5
Friends (496)
38
44
-20
-7
43
33
37
-23
38
40
31
Local papers (493)
-8
-26
41
26
National newspapers (472)
-10
-25
42
24
Teachers (480)
-15
Religious leaders (446)
-28
Politicians (443)
-100%
-29
-80%
-60%
-40%
-30
36
-24
27
-27
-20%
20
25
0%
19
20
20%
40%
60%
% Respondents
Base: Shown in brackets above
Balance: Not stated / don’t know
Not at all
A little
58
To some extent
To a great extent
80%
100%
Trusted News and Information Sources
The most trusted source of news and information was commonly cited as family members, with 43% expressing this
view. More than three in ten (36%) stated that television and radio was their most trusted source. Politicians were the
least trusted source of information (4%) and comparatively low levels of trust were identified for teachers (10%) and
religious leaders (10%).
Trusted Sources of Information
43
Family
36
Television and radio
21
Friends
13
Local papers
National newspapers
12
The internet
12
Religious leaders
10
Teachers
10
4
Politicians
0
10
20
30
40
50
% Respondents
Base: 614 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
59
60
70
80
90
100
Qualitative insights on Information Sources
The qualitative stages revealed that media had a big influence on the opinions of young people. Opinions on many of
the issues raised during the survey, such as personal safety and community cohesion, were often heavily influenced
by the media and internet based news. However, there was some scepticism about these sources.
•
Quantitative analysis revealed that news media was an information source that influenced opinion of a large proportion
of young people. However, during the qualitative follow up there was discussion about the ways in which the news
media could ‘overblow’ an issue and therefore create more of an issue than had been there in the first place.
“Waltham Forest is (perceived to be) a
dangerous area, and I'm like ‘it’s not at
all’ but the way in which it is presented
on the news it seems like a place you
wouldn’t really want to go.” (Young
Advisors Group)
“There’s a lot of crime in the news.”
(Muslim group)
“That’s why its happening a bit more, because the
media is putting it around.” (Muslim group)
•
Only 12% of young people responding to the survey suggested that newspapers and the internet were trusted sources
of information. This was again emphasised through the opinions expressed during focus groups where respondents
spoke about the problems of relying on the media for information.
•
There was also considerable concern about the type of information that was put on the internet and how it could be
used to create trouble and stir up ill feeling.
“The internet, most of it is a load of crap…. You
can upload anything.” (Young Advisor Group)
“You forget that newspapers are biased as well because
they have political affiliations.” (Young Advisors Group)
“Facebook… it’s poison. There’s so many groups on Facebook.
Some people go on to look for fights.” (Young Advisor Group)
60
Perceptions of Topical Issues
When asked to review a series of topical statements, high levels of agreement were found for free choice in terms of
following a religion (88% agreeing strongly), equal rights for both sexes (88%) and having the right to free speech
(88%). Respondents were least likely to agree that the West is waging a war on Islam (42%).
Agreement with topical issues
People should be able to choose whether or not to follow a religion
(483)
-1
-3-8 15
73
Men and women should have equal rights (473)
-2
-2-8 13
75
Everyone should have the right to free speech (482)
-1
-2-10
22
Having a mix of people from different backgrounds in an area
makes it a better place to live (470)
-3-6 -12
23
Religion should not influence politics (453)
-2-3 -20
It's OK to be gay (447)
-16 -7 -18
18
-40
15
The West is waging war on Islam (374)
-100
%
Strongly disagree
-14 -5
-80% -60% -40% -20%
66
56
22
0%
53
41
27
20%
40%
60%
80% 100%
% Respondents
Disagree
Base: Shown in brackets above
Balance: Not stated / don’t know / prefer not to say
61
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
Acceptability of Violence
Respondents were more inclined to state that violence to other people could be acceptable if their life depended
upon it (52%) and to defend loved ones or fiends (48%). Being ordered or asked to be violent towards other people
was generally not seen as an acceptable justification to do so.
Acceptability of violence
52
If your life depended on it and you had to
48
To defend loved ones or friends
Never
20
If it was for something you believed in
19
If you were ordered to by somebody you trusted and respected
8
If you were ordered to by someone you were frightened of
8
7
If you were asked to by somebody you trusted and respected
12
Prefer not to say
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
% Respondents
Base: 506 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
62
70
80
90
100
Key Findings: Formation and Nature of Cultural Beliefs
•
Broadcast and digital media were cited as prominent sources of information that helped to form opinions, with 81% of
young people citing television/radio and 77% the internet as their main sources of information.
•
However, there was a degree of understanding that these sources could sometimes exaggerate or ‘overblow’ an
issue and that the internet in particular often contained misleading information which could be damaging to particular
groups or people.
•
This was further emphasised by only 12% of young people who suggested that the internet or newspapers were
trusted sources of information. Young people understood the bias of newspapers and the lack of credibility in the
content of webpages.
•
88% of young people agreed that people should have the right to chose whether or not to follow a religion and that
men and women have should have equal rights. However, only 59% of young people agreed that it is OK to be gay.
This suggested that whilst religious differences were tolerated there was not the same acceptance/understanding of
sexuality.
•
There was strong consensus that violence was only acceptable in extreme circumstances, for example if there was a
life at stake. Only 7% felt that violence was permissible in a situation where they were asked to do it by someone they
liked or trusted.
63
RESEARCH FINDINGS:
AWARENESS AND PERCEPTIONS OF EXTREMISM
64
Harmful Beliefs
Nearly two fifths (38%) of respondents agreed that there were individuals in their local area who had beliefs that
could lead to them harming those around them. The proportion disagreeing with this was relatively small (14%),
leaving just under half (49%) that could neither agree nor disagree or were unsure.
People with harmful beliefs within local area
100
90
% Respondents
80
• More likely at Heathcote
school (36%)
70
60
50
40
26
30
20
26
23
12
9
10
5
0
Strongly agree
Agree
Neither agree nor
disagree
Base: 554 Respondents
Balance: Not stated
65
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
The Nature of Harmful Beliefs
Views held by people that were considered harmful to those around them were believed by respondents to primarily
relate to gangs (46%) and religion (42%). Other common dangerous beliefs were thought to focus on issues of
territory (31%), politics (28%), homosexuality (26%) and immigration (24%).
Understanding content of beliefs
46
Gangs
42
Religion
Respondents at Kelmscott School were significantly
more likely to see these beliefs as being about politics,
religion, global issues, anti-gay views and immigration
31
Territory
28
Politics
26
Anti-gay beliefs
24
Immigration
Less likely amongst Females (19%)
23
School issues
Global issues
17
The local area
17
11
Pollution
2
Other issues
33
Don't know
0
10
20
30
40
50
% Respondents
Base: 551 Respondents
Balance: Not stated
66
60
70
80
90
100
Prevalence of Harmful Beliefs
Almost half (48%) of respondents thought that negative beliefs around the previously mentioned issues were at least
‘fairly common’ amongst young people, with a fifth believing them to be uncommon (20%). Almost a third (29%) of the
young people consulted were unsure on this matter.
Young people sharing harmful beliefs
100
90
80
% Respondents
70
60
• More likely at Kelmscott School (18%)
50
36
40
29
30
18
20
12
10
2
2
0
Very common
Fairly common
Not very common Not at all common
Base: 545 Respondents
Balance: Not stated
67
Don't know
Prefer not to say
Origins of Negative Beliefs
Harmful or negative beliefs amongst young people were felt by respondents to originate primarily from peers (57%)
and family members (46%) with similar thoughts and ideas. The internet was also a relatively frequently mentioned
influencing source (35%), while books (16%) and leaflets / pamphlets (12%) were less commonly cited.
Origins of negative beliefs
57
Friends with similar beliefs
46
Family members with similar beliefs
• More likely amongst Asian / Asian British
respondents (44%)
• More likely at Kelmscott School (48%)
• Less likely at Heathcote School (18%)
35
The internet
31
From themselves
25
Other adults with similar beliefs
16
Books
12
Leaflets / pamphlets
2
Other
24
Don't know
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
% Respondents
Base: 540 Respondents
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
68
70
80
90
100
Knowledge of Groups with Strong Views
The young people aware of groups with strong views / beliefs were most likely to have knowledge of those which
focus on the promotion of a greener society (54%), human rights (53%), immigration to the UK (52%) and restrictions
on Muslims practising their religion freely (52%).
Knowledge of Groups with Strong Views
Promoting a greener society
54
Campaigning for better Human Rights across the world
53
Stopping people from other countries coming to live in the UK
52
Believing that Muslims shouldn't be able to practice their religion
freely in the UK
52
Preaching hatred and promoting violence towards people of
different religions
48
Taking positive action to promote peace
48
Higher taxes to pay for Government services
44
Non-Christian values and beliefs being part of UK Law
43
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
• Higher at Willowfield school
(73%) and lower amongst
females (46%)
70
80
90
100
% Respondents
Base: 374 Respondents knowing of groups like these
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
Nb: Figures in chart above denote % of the number that know of such
groups (374) not overall sample (628)
69
Distribution of Leaflets by Groups with Strong Beliefs
Respondents who stated that they had been given leaflets by groups with strong beliefs reported that these most
commonly focused on environmental (53%), economic (40%) and human rights issues (39%). However, more than a
third reported having been given leaflets on anti-immigration (39%), preaching hatred and promoting violence (37%)
and non-Christian values and beliefs being part of UK Law (35%).
Receipt of leaflets
53
Promoting a greener society
Higher taxes to pay for Government services
40
Campaigning for better Human Rights across the world
39
Stopping people from other countries coming to live in the UK
39
Preaching hatred and promoting violence towards people of
different religions
37
Higher at Heathcote School
(50%)
35
Non-Christian values and beliefs being part of UK Law
33
Taking positive action to promote peace
Believing that Muslims shouldn't be able to practice their religion
freely in the UK
30
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
% Respondents
Base: 296 respondents given a leaflet
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
Nb: Figures in chart above denote % of the number given a leaflet (296) not overall sample (628)
70
Likelihood of Attending a Community Meeting
Young people who stated that they would consider going to meetings were most likely to be open to those promoting
peace (50%) and campaigning for human rights (44%). Relatively lower consideration was given to attending the
meetings of environmental groups (30%) and those focusing on non-Christian values (33%) and preaching hatred (31%).
Reasons to attend community meetings
50
Taking positive action to promote peace
Higher amongst Asian / Asian
British (56%)
44
Campaigning for better Human Rights across the world
Higher taxes to pay for Government services
39
Believing that Muslims shouldn't be able to practice their religion
freely in the UK
38
Stopping people from other countries coming to live in the UK
33
Non-Christian values and beliefs being part of UK Law
33
Preaching hatred and promoting violence towards people of
different religions
31
Promoting a greener society
30
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
% Respondents
Base: 264 Respondents that would consider going to a meeting
Balance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed
Nb: Figures in chart above denote % of the number that would
consider going to a meeting (264) not overall sample (628)
71
Qualitative insights on Perceived Meaning of Extremism
Qualitative feedback collected in the focus groups and one-to-one interviews revealed that the word ‘extremism’ had
various connotations for young people. Very few individuals associated the word with religious extremism,
fundamentalism or terrorism, instead it was more commonly linked to gang culture and individual’s personal agendas.
•
When discussing extremism and extremist behaviour with the KS4 pupils during the qualitative stage it was important to
firstly understand whether they understood what these terms meant for two key reasons :
1. To establish a baseline definition so that all participants in the group were comfortable with what was meant by
extremism and therefore felt able to have an informed discussion around the issue.
2. To understand the extent to which any ‘top of mind’ and initial thoughts existed when presented with the chance to
comment on extremism and / or extremist behaviour.
What is meant by the terms extremism and / or extremist behaviour?
•
Based on their unprompted responses the majority of young people surveyed did not have an appreciation of what was
meant by extremism. Despite their claimed use of media for news and information they lacked exposure to the term
extremism and as such struggled to put it into context in terms of their everyday lives.
“Asbos?” (PRU
interviews)
“Erratic behaviour isn’t it? Is it like over-doing it.”
(School group)
“I have no idea what it is.”
(School group)
•
“EMOs and Goths and chavs and
people like that.” (Young Adviser
group)
“Graffiti?” (School
group)
“Over the top behaviour.”
(School group)
However, some individuals, particularly in the focus group conducted with Muslims, identified extremist behaviour with
terrorism and some saw extremist views as being about religion and / or politics.
“Terrorism.”
(Muslim group)
“For some people its (extremism) to do with
religion, for others its politics.” (Muslim group)
72
Qualitative insights on Knowledge of Extremist Groups
Knowledge of extremist groups and organisations in Waltham Forest was virtually non-existent amongst the young
people consulted. A few mentions of far-right groups were made, but these were not based on any experience of
coming into contact with them.
•
The qualitative phase of the research was used to explore whether participants had any knowledge of groups in Waltham
Forest that could be considered to be extremist. In the main, the young people were not aware of any such groups,
although in some cases, they did associate gangs and gang-related behaviour as being a type of ‘extremism’.
•
Generally, knowledge of extremist groups was extremely low and in the vast majority of cases, non-existent. Anecdotal
evidence from some individuals revealed an awareness of a small number of far right political organisations such as the
British National Party (BNP) and the English Defence League (EDL), while there were further anecdotes of people from
religious organisations knocking on doors and distributing leaflets in the street.
•
“Jehovah’s witnesses have knocked on my
door a couple of times.” (School group)
“Down in Walthamstow, there are (religious groups) outside
handing out leaflets.” (School group)
“The English Defence League.” (Muslim
Group)
“There have been cases in the past of terrorists living
across the road…It was on the news – the police were
searching the house.” (School group)
Further anecdotal evidence from some members within the Muslim group suggested that social networking was being
used by a very small minority of individuals to create and display messages of hate and intolerance towards certain
religious groups. This was said to have been done by non-Muslims towards Muslims and by Muslims towards nonMuslims.
“There’s groups for everything (on Facebook). Someone will say kill the
Muslims, some people say kill the non-Muslims.” (Muslim Group)
73
Key Findings: Awareness and Perceptions of Extremism
•
Just over a third of respondents felt that there were people who had beliefs that could lead them to harm other people
in their local area.
•
When considering the nature of these harmful beliefs, the perception was that they were most likely to be about
gangs or religion.
•
48% of young people felt that it was ‘fairly’ or ‘very’ common for young people to also share these harmful beliefs,
mainly because they had friends or family who held those views.
•
However, when put into the context of extremism young people demonstrated little understanding of what this was.
Furthermore, their knowledge of extremist groups was limited to those known within the mainstream and was mainly
based on anecdotal evidence.
•
Where young people had been given leaflets or materials about groups in the local area the highest recall was that
the information had been about groups set up to promote sustainable/greener living or critiquing government
spending plans.
•
If they were to attend an community group meeting, the young people surveyed were most likely to attend a group
that took positive action to promote peace or that was campaigning for improved human rights.
74
KEY RESEARCH FINDINGS:
BY SUB-GROUP
75
Attitudinal trends: Ethnicity (1)
Cross-tabulation analysis of key attitudinal scale-based questions revealed the following findings in relation to the
ethnicity of respondents:
White British respondents…
• Were more likely to ‘strongly agree’ that they could help make decisions that affect them about their
school (27% compared to (cf.) an average of 21%) and that they could make their own decisions
about activities they can do outside school (56% cf. 46%);
• Were less likely to ‘strongly agree’ that they felt part of their ethnic group (23% cf. 40%) and their
religious community (17% cf. 39%);
• Were less likely to feel ‘very safe’ when walking alone in the daytime (30% cf. 43%); and
• Were less likely to feel ‘very worried’ about being attacked because of their skin colour (15% cf. 30%),
religion (11% cf. 30%) or sexuality (15% cf. 26%).
Asian / Asian British respondents…
• Were more likely to ‘strongly agree’ that they felt part of their religious community (52% cf. 39%);
• Were more likely to feel ‘very worried’ about being mugged or robbed (49% cf. 38%), being physically
assaulted (52% cf. 43%), and being attacked because of their religion (40% cf. 30%) or sexuality (34%
cf. 26%);
• Were more likely to ‘strongly agree’ that everyone should have the right to free speech (75% cf. 66%)
and that the West was waging a war on Islam (40% cf. 27%); and
• Were less likely to ‘strongly agree’ that people should be able to choose to follow a religion (67% cf.
73%).
76
Attitudinal trends: Ethnicity (2)
Cross-tabulation analysis of key attitudinal scale-based questions revealed the following findings in relation to the
ethnicity of respondents:
Black / Black British respondents…
• Were more likely to ‘strongly agree’ that they felt part of their ethnic group (46% compared to (cf.) an
average of 40%);
• Were more likely to feel ‘very safe’ whilst walking in their local area during the daytime (64% cf.
43%);
• Were more likely to feel ‘very worried’ about being attacked because of their skin colour (40% cf.
30%); and
• Were more likely to reveal that they used local newspapers (39% cf. 26%) and religious leaders
(33% cf. 20%) to inform their opinions about what is in the news ‘to a great extent’.
White Other respondents…
• Were less likely to ‘strongly agree’ that they could help make decisions that affect them about their
school (13% cf. 21%);
• Were less likely to feel ‘very safe’ in school (47% cf. 62%); and
• Were less likely to ‘strongly agree’ that having a mix of people from different backgrounds in an area
makes it a better place to live (39% cf. 56%).
77
Attitudinal trends: Gender
Cross-tabulation analysis of key attitudinal scale-based questions revealed the following findings in relation to the
gender of respondents:
Male respondents…
• Were more likely to ‘strongly agree’ that they could help make decisions that affect them about their
school (27% compared to (cf.) an average of 21%), that they could make their own decisions about
activities they can do outside school (52% cf. 46%) and make decisions about their local area (14%
cf. 8%);
• Were more likely to ‘strongly agree’ that they felt part of Waltham Forest (26% cf. 20%);
• Were less likely to ‘strongly agree’ that men and women should have equal rights (66% cf. 75%); and
• Were more likely to ‘strongly disagree’ that it was OK to be gay (28% cf. 16%).
Female respondents…
• Were less likely to ‘strongly agree’ that they felt part of their neighbourhood (18% cf. 23%);
• Were less likely to feel ‘very safe’ whilst walking in their local area during the daytime (38% cf. 43%);
• Were more likely to feel ‘very worried’ about being mugged or robbed (48% cf. 38%) and sexually (58%
cf. 48%) or physically (54% cf. 43%) assaulted; and
• Were more likely to ‘strongly agree’ that having a mix of people from different backgrounds in an area
makes it a better place to live (62% cf. 56%) and that it is OK to be gay (50% cf. 41%).
78
Attitudinal trends: School (1)
Cross-tabulation analysis of key attitudinal scale-based questions revealed the following findings in relation to the
school of respondents:
Respondents from Heathcote School…
• Were more likely to feel ‘very safe’ when walking alone in their local area after dark (21% compared to
(cf.) an average of 14%) and when on the journey to and from school (65% cf. 55%);
• Were less likely to feel ‘very worried’ about having their home broken into (23% cf. 37%), being mugged
or robbed (22% cf. 38%), being physically attacked (26% cf. 43%), insulted (8% cf. 24%), attacked due
to skin colour (19% cf. 30%), religion (16% cf. 30%), sexuality (14% cf. 26%) and violence from friends
(11% cf. 20%); and
• Less likely to ‘strongly agree’ that everyone should have the right to free speech (49% cf. 66%), that
men and women should have equal rights (61% cf. 75%) and that having a mix of people from different
backgrounds in an area makes it a better place to live in (35% cf. 56%).
Respondents from Kelmscott School…
• Were more likely to state that they ‘very strongly’ felt part of their religious community (50% compared
to (cf.) an average of 39%); and
• Were more likely to indicate that they trusted politicians as an information source ‘to a great extent’
(28% cf. 20%).
79
Attitudinal trends: School (2)
Cross-tabulation analysis of key attitudinal scale-based questions revealed the following findings in relation to the
school of respondents:
Respondents from Connaught School…
• Were less likely to state that they ‘very strongly’ felt part of Waltham Forest (9% compared to (cf.) an
average of 20%);
• Were more likely to feel ‘very worried’ about being mugged or robbed (50% cf. 38%) and being
physically attacked (54% cf. 43%);
• Were more likely to indicate that they trusted television and radio as an information source ‘to a great
extent’ (49% cf. 43%); and
• Were more likely to ‘strongly agree’ that men and women should have equal rights (87% cf. 75%), that it
is OK to be gay (55% cf. 41%), that having a mix of people from different backgrounds in an area
makes it a better place to live (70% cf. 56%) and that people should respect the culture and religious
beliefs of others (77% cf. 60%).
Respondents from George Mitchell School…
• Were less likely to feel that they ‘very strongly’ felt part of their age group (33% cf. 46%); and
• Were less likely to feel ‘very safe’ whilst in school (45% cf. 62%).
80
Attitudinal trends: School (3)
Cross-tabulation analysis of key attitudinal scale-based questions revealed the following findings in relation to the
school of respondents:
Respondents from Lammas School…
• Were more likely to state that they ‘very strongly’ felt part of Europe (41% compared to (cf.) an average
of 23%); and
• Were more likely to indicate that they trusted local (40% cf. 26%) and national newspapers (37% cf.
24%) as an information source ‘to a great extent’.
Respondents from Willowfield School…
• Were less likely to state that they ‘very strongly’ felt part of their ethnic group (29% cf. 40%) and their
friendship group (46% cf. 58%); and
• Were less likely to feel ‘very worried’ about being sexually assaulted (35% cf. 48%).
81
RESEARCH FINDINGS:
OTHER ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SURVEY
82
UNPROMPTED FEEDBACK
52 respondents to the quantitative survey chose to make additional comments. These primarily related to
discrimination against certain groups
Is there anything else you would like to tell Waltham Forest Borough Council about any of the issues raised within this
questionnaire?
“There is too much racism and too much Muslim
hatred.”
Top ten suggestions for Waltham Forest:
1)
Prevent discrimination against certain religious groups (17%)
2)
Improve safety (12%)
3)
More places / activities for young people (10%)
4)
Tackle gangs (8%)
5)
Change negative perceptions of Police (6%)
6)
Reduce knife crime (6%)
7)
Target bullying (4%)
8)
Bring EMA back (4%)
9)
More sports in schools (4%)
“There should be more cameras around the places crime happens.”
“Waltham Forest needs to organise more after school activities
for young people.”
“Sort out the gangs.”
“Police PCSOs pick on people because they are bored.”
“Stop knife crime now.”
“I want EMA back because when I go to college I won’t get it.”
“More sports in schools e.g. tennis and rugby.”
10) Improve transport infrastructure (4%)
“There is too much traffic.”
Base: 52 Respondents commenting. Balance: Not stated / don’t know
83
SEGMENTATION MODEL FOR ENGAGING YOUNG
PEOPLE WITH COMMUNITY ISSUES
84
INTRODUCTION TO SEGMENTATION
Attitudinal scale questions eliciting respondents’ views and beliefs on a range of topics were used as the basis of a cluster
analysis conducted in order to identify specific segments of respondents, based on shared views and characteristics.
Cluster analysis is a commonly used market research technique that
is used to partition the general population of consumers into
market segments in order to better understand relationships
between different groups of consumers or potential customers
In social research, this technique can be applied in order to organise
respondents to surveys into relatively homogeneous groups or
‘clusters’. Members should be similar to one another and unlike
members of other clusters.
Segment identifier questions included:
In this survey, cluster analysis was used primarily in order to
identify specific groups of respondents that shared similar
beliefs and character traits.
• Ability to affect decisions
• Sense of belonging
• Pride in the local area
• Views on multi-culturalism in local area
• Safety issues and worries
• Information sources
• Views on civil liberties
• Respect for other people’s beliefs
A six-cluster solution was adapted for the young people
completing the community cohesion survey in Waltham Forest.
85
SEGMENTATION OF MODEL
Six segments of young people in Waltham Forest were identified using cluster analysis, with proportional coverage of
between 11% and 21%.
Segment 1: ‘Well informed, but
worried’
Segment 6: ‘Civil liberty apathy and
less linked to wider community’
11%
18%
Segment 5: ‘Supportive of civil
liberties but disenfranchised /
disaffected’
15%
Segment 2: ‘No worries
but conscious of civil
liberties’
21%
20%
Segment 4: ‘Fearful, even of friends’
15%
86
Segment 3: ‘Civil liberty apathy’
Segmentation Model
Six segments were identified using cluster analysis.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Segment 1:
‘Well informed, but worried’
(18% of respondents)
Feel they can make a difference
Feel part of their community
Use a variety of sources to keep
informed
Concerned about the issues raised
about personal safety and violence
in the community
More likely to be Muslim or Asian
Segment 4:
‘Fearful, even of friends’
(20% of respondents)
Most likely to be fearful about
threats to their own personal safety
and to their homes
This included fears about violence
from friends
Also most likely to be concerned
about the threat of gangs
More likely to be female
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Segment 2:
‘No worries but conscious of civil
liberties’
(21% of respondents)
Believe in human rights
Feel safe when travelling to and from
school
Less likely to see the issues raised
as beging of concern to them
More likely to be males
Segment 5:
‘Supportive of civil liberties but
disenfranchised / disaffected’
(15% of respondents)
Agreed on value of civil liberties
Views based on informal sources
rather than from people in authority
Concerned about gangs and
increasing gang membership
Felt unable to make a difference
Felt distanced from their local
communities.
More likely to be female
87
•
•
•
•
Segment 3:
‘Civil liberty apathy’
(15% of respondents)
Displayed lack of agreement with
statements on human rights
Higher feeling of safety when
moving around the local area
Less likely to feel threatened by
gangs
Unlikely to engage with the Council
to discuss issues
Segment 6:
‘Civil liberty apathy and less linked to
wider community’
(11% of respondents)
• Least likely to feel proud of living in
Waltham Forest
• Feel disassociated from their peers
and wider community
• Do not feel as much concern for
personal safety
• Less agreement with civil liberties
• More unlikely to see WF as a place
of successful multi-culturalism
Segment 1: Well informed but worried
This cluster of respondents feel like they belong, that they can make a difference and that they are well informed as a
result of their use of multiple information sources. They are also more likely to be worried, which may be as a result of
being more informed. Asian / Asian British and Muslim respondents are over-represented within this segment.
Significantly more likely to…
• Feel that they can make a difference to how their country is run;
• Feel part of their age group, neighbourhood, ethnic group, religious community, Waltham Forest,
London and Great Britain;
• Feel worried about all areas prompted; having their home broken into, being mugged, physically
attacked, insulted, sexually assaulted, attacked because of skin colour, religion and sexuality, being
kidnapped and violence from friends; and
• Form their opinions through a wide variety of sources (greatest extent on all prompted sources);
television and radio, the internet, local papers, national newspapers, friends, family religious leaders,
politicians and teachers.
Key membership traits (more or less frequently than would be expected randomly)…
• More frequently Asian / Asian British;
• More frequently Muslim; and
• Less frequently ‘No religion at all’.
88
No. respondents
in segment
% of sample
114
18%
Segment 1: Well informed but worried
This cluster of respondents feel like they belong, that they can make a difference and that they are well informed as a
result of their use of multiple information sources. They are also more likely to be worried, which may be as a result of
being more informed. Asian / Asian British and Muslim respondents are over-represented within this segment.
Additional characteristics:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
More likely to spend time at internet cafes (11% cf. 5%);
More likely to see sexual attacks amongst people of their age group as being ‘very common’ in
their local area (22% cf. 12%);
More likely to believe that young people feel most at harm from family members (19% cf. 10%);
More likely to feel confident in reporting a crime to the police (55% cf. 43%);
More likely to strongly agree that there are young people in the local area with beliefs that could
lead to them harming those around them (27% cf. 12%);
More likely to see harmful beliefs held by young people as being about politics (38% cf. 28%) and
global issues (29% cf. 17%);
More likely to see it as being ‘very common’ for young people to have such harmful beliefs (21%
cf. 12%).
Cf. = Compared to the average
89
Segment 2: No worries but conscious of civil liberties
This cluster of respondents were less likely to be worried and expressed support for a number of civil liberties. Males
tended to occur more frequently within this segment.
Significantly more likely to…
• Feel safe on the journey to and from school; and
• Believe people should be able to choose whether or not to follow a religion, that everyone
should have the right to free speech and that men and women should have equal rights.
Significantly less likely to…
• Feel worried about all areas prompted; having their home broken into, being mugged, physically
attacked, insulted, sexually assaulted, attacked because of skin colour, religion and sexuality, being
kidnapped and violence from friends.
Key membership traits (more or less frequently than would be expected randomly)…
• More frequently Male.
90
No. respondents
in segment
% of sample
130
21%
Segment 2: No worries but conscious of civil liberties
This cluster of respondents were less likely to be worried and expressed support for a number of civil liberties. Males
tended to occur more frequently within this segment.
Additional characteristics:
•
•
•
•
•
More likely to spend time at places of worship (29% cf. 21%);
Least likely to state that a possible terrorist attack made them feel unsafe (22% cf. 34%);
Most likely to state that the time it would take the police to respond if there is a problem made
them feel unsafe (28% cf. 27%);
More likely to see sexual attacks amongst people of their age group as being ‘not at all common’ in
their local area (16% cf. 9%);
More likely to feel that young people who have harmful beliefs develop them themselves (40% cf.
31%).
Cf. = Compared to the average
91
Segment 3: Civil liberty apathy
This cluster of respondents often disagreed with a number of statements relating to civil rights and liberties, in
addition to respecting the culture and beliefs of others.
Significantly more likely to…
• Feel safe when walking alone in their local area during the daytime and on public transport.
Significantly less likely to…
• Feel worried about being mugged, physically attacked or insulted in the street;
• Agree that;
• People should be able to choose whether or not to follow a religion;
• That everyone should have the right to free speech;
• That religion should not influence politics;
• That men and women should have equal rights;
• That having a mix of people from different backgrounds in an area makes it a better place to live;
• Agree that people should respect the culture of and religious beliefs of others even when
different to their own.
Key membership traits (more or less frequently than would be expected randomly)…
• More frequently Heathcote School;
• Less frequently Asian / Asian British; and
• Less frequently Muslim.
92
No. respondents
in segment
% of sample
96
15%
Segment 3: Civil liberty apathy
This cluster of respondents often disagreed with a number of statements relating to civil rights and liberties, in
addition to respecting the culture and beliefs of others.
Additional characteristics:
•
•
•
•
Less likely to contact someone in the local council if unhappy about an issue (7% cf. 14%);
Less likely to believe that young people feel most at harm from gang members (55% cf. 70%);
Less likely to see harmful beliefs held by young people as being about gangs (31% cf. 46%);
Less likely to feel that young people who have harmful beliefs get them from friends (33% cf.
57%), family members (25% cf. 46%) and other adults (7% cf. 25%).
Cf. = Compared to the average
93
Segment 4: Fearful, even of friends
This cluster of respondents were significantly more worried about threats to their personal safety. This segment
was over-represented by females, Muslims, Asian / Asian British respondents and those from Lammas School.
Significantly more likely to…
• Feel worried about all areas prompted:
• Having their home broken into;
• Being mugged;
• Being physically attacked;
• Being insulted in the street;
• Being sexually assaulted;
• Being attacked due to skin colour, religion and sexuality;
• Being kidnapped; and
• Violence from friends.
Key membership traits (more or less frequently than would be expected randomly)…
•
•
•
•
More frequently Female;
More frequently Muslim;
More frequently Asian / Asian British; and
More frequently Lammas School.
94
No. respondents
in segment
% of sample
125
20%
Segment 4: Fearful, even of friends
This cluster of respondents were significantly more worried about threats to their personal safety. This segment
was over-represented by females, Muslims, Asian / Asian British respondents and those from Lammas School.
Additional characteristics:
•
•
•
•
More likely to state that gangs made them feel unsafe (84% cf. 73%);
More likely to feel that young people who have harmful beliefs get them from leaflets / pamphlets
(20% cf.12%);
More likely to state that they would consider going to a meeting of groups with beliefs around
promoting a greener society (45% cf. 30%);
Less likely to have been given a leaflet around preaching hatred and promoting violence towards
people of different religions (23% cf. 37%).
Cf. = Compared to the average
95
Segment 5: Supportive of civil liberties but disenfranchised / disaffected
This cluster of respondents agreed on a number of civil liberties issues, were less likely to form opinions influenced by
people of authority, were unlikely to feel that they could make a difference to how their country was run and felt distanced
from their local communities. Over-representation of females, White British and those from Connaught school.
Significantly more likely to…
• Agree that people should be able to choose whether or not to follow a religion, that everyone
should have the right to free speech, that religion should not influence politics and that men
and women should have equal rights.
Significantly less likely to…
•
•
•
•
Form opinions about what’s in the news from religious leaders, politicians and teachers;
Feel worried about being attacked because of their sexuality and about violence from friends;
Feel that they can make a difference to how their country is run; and
Feel part of their neighbourhood, religious community, Waltham Forest, London and Europe.
Key membership traits (more or less frequently than would be expected randomly)…
•
•
•
•
•
More frequently Female;
More frequently White British;
More frequently Connaught School;
More frequently ‘no religion at all’; and
Less frequently Muslim.
96
No. respondents
in segment
% of sample
94
15%
Segment 5: Supportive of civil liberties but disenfranchised / disaffected
This cluster of respondents agreed on a number of civil liberties issues, were less likely to form opinions influenced by
people of authority, were unlikely to feel that they could make a difference to how their country was run and felt distanced
from their local communities. Over-representation of females, White British and those from Connaught school.
Additional characteristics:
•
•
•
•
More likely to state that sexual harassment made them feel unsafe (10% cf. 4%);
More likely to feel more young people in Waltham Forest joining gangs than there used to be (64%
cf. 58%);
More likely to see harmful beliefs held by young people as being about gangs (58% cf. 46%) and
territory (43% cf. 31%);
More likely to state that young people with harmful beliefs get them from friends with similar views
(72% cf. 57%).
Cf. = Compared to the average
97
Segment 6: Civil liberty apathy – less linked to wider community
This cluster of respondents were less inclined to agree with statements associated with accepted civil liberties, less
likely to respect the culture and beliefs of others, more unlikely to see Waltham Forest as a place of successful multiculturalism and were less connected to wider networks of people.
Significantly less likely to…
• Agree that they can help make decisions about things that happen in their local area;
• Feel part of their age group, neighbourhood, ethnic group, friendship group, Waltham Forest,
London and Great Britain;
• Agree that Waltham Forest is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well
together;
• Feel proud to be living in Waltham Forest;
• Feel worried when walking alone in their local area during the daytime, on public transport, on the
journey to and from school and in school;
• Agree that people should be able to choose whether or not to follow a religion, that everyone should
have the right to free speech, that religion should not influence politics, that men and women
should have equal rights, that it’s ok to be gay and that having a mix of people from different
backgrounds in an area makes it a better place to live;
• Agree that people should respect the culture and religious beliefs of others even when different to
their own.
Key membership traits (more or less frequently than would be expected randomly)…
• More frequently Heathcote School; and
• Less frequently Asian / Asian British.
98
No. respondents
in segment
% of sample
69
11%
Segment 6: Civil liberty apathy – less linked to wider community
This cluster of respondents were less inclined to agree with statements associated with accepted civil liberties, less
likely to respect the culture and beliefs of others, more unlikely to see Waltham Forest as a place of successful multiculturalism and were less connected to wider networks of people.
Additional characteristics:
•
•
•
•
•
Less likely to speak to a parent if unhappy about an issue (31% cf. 47%);
Least likely to feel at risk of harm from other adults (11% cf. 23%);
Less likely to state that gangs made them feel unsafe (55%);
Less likely to see harmful beliefs held by young people as being about gangs (14% cf. 46%) and
territory (6% cf. 31%);
More likely to be unsure whether there were people in the local area that held beliefs that could
lead to them harming those around them (45% cf. 26%).
Cf. = Compared to the average
99
Segmentation Conclusions
Based on the attributes assigned to the segments it is possible to consider priorities for engagement based on key
variables such as concerns about the local area, agreement with value of civil liberties or degree of disenfranchisement.
An example of this kind of model in provided below:
High concern for personal safety
Segment
5
Segment
1
Segment
4
Unlikely to engage with the
Council to discuss issues
Likely to engage with the
Council to discuss issues
Segment
3
Segment
2
Segment
6
Low concern for personal safety
100
Segmentation Conclusions
Using the attributes assigned to the segments it is also possible to look for different ways of engaging with the young
people within them based on their beliefs, values and current views of the value of civic participation.
Segment 1
• Currently use varied sources of
media, therefore relatively easy to
reach
• Can use concern about safety issue
to increase involvement
• Believe in the value of their opinions
• Potential role as ambassadors to
engage other young people
Segment 4
• Concerned about threats to
personal safety but currently do not
know who to talk to
• Need reassurance about safe
places to go
• Role for developing trusted sources
of information and advice
Segment 2
Segment 3
• Lack awareness of why these
issues should be important to
them
• However, do value civil
liberties so potential to build on
these values
• Not reliant on any one form of
media for information or news
• Currently unengaged and unaware of
the issues
• May be naïve in their perceptions of
community safety issues
• Unlikely to have links with the Council
• Will require targeted information to
show the importance and value of
civic engagement
Segment 5
Segment 6
• Value civil liberties and human
rights but do not feel they can
make a difference
• Need to set up communication
channels with Council and
other stakeholders
• Provide example of how young
people can get involved and
make a difference
• Need educating of value of civil
liberties and their implications for them
• Lack pride in their local area and
require convincing of the benefits of
living in Waltham Forest
• Lack awareness of threats to personal
safety as they are disengaged from
main sources of information and are
therefore at risk
101
CONCLUSIONS
102
Conclusions
•
Informal activities dominated out-of-school time for young people, particularly spending time with friends and families in
their own homes.
•
In some cases this appeared to be linked to concerns about personal safety (especially when linked to travelling outside
the borough). However, there were also comments made about a lack of facilities for young people to use.
•
Although young people felt safe at school, and able to influence their environment, this was not necessarily the case
outside school.
•
In terms of dealing with issues in their local area, most young people turned to family and friends rather than thinking to
engage with the Council or other authorities.
•
There was a lack of awareness of how to communicate with the Council and how young people could have an impact on
their local area.
•
This was seen to contribute to lower levels of pride in living in Waltham Forest than had been identified in previous
surveys.
•
This was also attributed to a lower sense of ‘belonging’ to the borough as opposed to their own age group, local area or
even their affiliation to London as a whole.
•
However, it was clear from both the qualitative and quantitative work that the main issue affecting civic pride was the
issue of gangs and the threat to personal safety this created.
•
The young people were all concerned about crossing into gang territory and were looking to the police to provide more
visible interventions and the Council to provide increased CCTV and better lighting for public spaces.
•
However, what also emerged from the survey was a strong sense of the value that the young people placed on cultural
diversity and living in area with a mix of ethnicities. This was seen as a recognisable and positive feature of living in
Waltham Forest.
103
Conclusions
•
Young people were reliant on broadcast media and the internet for news and information on current affairs. There was
recognition of the dangers on using these sources to gain impartial views and, consequently, there was seen to be a gap
where the Council and its partners could provide their account of local issues.
•
This was seen as important in relation to issues of personal safety where there were concerns that reports of incidents
could be exaggerated or misreported leading to increased fear levels which may not be appropriate.
•
Most of the concerns expressed about personal safety and the threat of sexual violence or attack were based on
anecdotal evidence. However, these stories had created heightened levels of fear amongst the young people to the
extent that they were changing behaviours and not travelling around the borough.
•
Religious tolerance and a strong sense of the importance of promoting human rights and a peaceful society were clear
from both the qualitative and quantitative studies. However, there was less understanding about different sexualities and
the impact this could have on how someone may choose to live their life.
•
Religious extremism was not seen as an issue for the borough amongst the young people surveyed. However, extreme
behaviour was a term used to describe people who belonged to gangs, especially those linked to violent activities or
battles for territory.
•
The young people who took part in the survey were clearly very concerned about the growth of gang influence in their
local areas and whilst they still felt safe from them in school this was not the case once outside the school gates.
•
Their main concerns were that they would be targeted by gangs during opportunistic attacks to steal mobile phones and
other personal property. However, they were also fearful of getting caught up in more serious physical assaults by being
in the wrong place at the wrong time.
•
Therefore, the young people were keen to feedback their concerns about gangs to the Council and its partners as the
key issue which needed to be addressed to improve community cohesion and increase the sense of pride of living in the
borough.
104
RECOMMENDATIONS
105
Recommendations
Participation, Decision Making and Communication
•
There is a need to do more to show young people how
they can get their opinions heard.
•
This could be done through building on the successful
models used in schools to help young people extend
their sphere of influence.
•
However, it would also be important to quickly
demonstrate how the opinions and views expressed by
young people are turned into action.
•
As young people currently rely on friends and family to
discuss issues which are important to them this creates
two possible routes of engagement:
-
Build more links with parents so that they can
advise their children on how to get their voices
heard.
-
Recruit more young ambassadors to promote
the value of communicating with the Council and
to publicise the outcomes of such consultation.
Community Cohesion
106
•
There is a need promote Waltham Forest as a location
in its own right as at the moment young people do not
have as strong an affiliation with the borough as they do
with their local area.
•
Cultural diversity is valued and where this is supported
and celebrated this creates pride and participation in
cultural events. Therefore, the Council and its partners
should do more of this.
•
Gang membership and fights over territories are
damaging civic pride and reducing the extent to which
young people feel ownership of local places and
spaces.
•
Consequently, young people were looking for a more
visible strategy/operation to address gang violence and
to provide protection to young people.
Recommendations
Perceptions of Community Safety
•
Opportunistic attacks such as muggings and petty theft
were primary concerns for young people.
•
However, there were increasing fears about the threat
of sexual assault, specifically from older males, which
need to be addressed sensitively so as not to increase
levels of fear where not substantiated by actual
evidence.
•
There is a need to provide reassurance and also to
provide young people with the tools to cope with
unwanted advances.
•
This, combined with concerns about the threat of
gangs, meant that the young people were looking for
increased police presence, including more community
support officers on public transport and in their local
areas.
•
Gangs and Gang Related Violence
•
Young people had two primary suggestions for dealing
with gangs and gang related violence:
1. More visible policing of risky areas either through
increased use of CCTV or police officers.
2. Positive engagement with gang members to give
them something else to do e.g. youth events,
talent spotting and creative activities.
Young people also wanted more communication from
the police to show what was being done and
demonstrate how young people could report more of
their concerns and fears.
107
•
There were concerns amongst this age group that
younger children could get drawn into gangs without
knowing how serious the issues were. Therefore, it was
felt that more education in schools would be useful.
•
There was also seen to be a need to break down gang
boundaries through positive community events that
would help families and friends ‘retake the streets’ and
feel more confident in moving around the borough.
Recommendations
Formation and Nature of Cultural Beliefs
•
Extremism
There was agreement that it would be useful to have a
source of objective information about current affairs and
events in the local area and that there could be a role
for the Council and its partners in developing this.
•
The terms ‘extremism’ and ‘extreme behaviour’ were
not widely used by the young people in this survey.
•
They were also not words linked to activities occurring
in Waltham Forest.
•
This may also involve the endorsement of certain social
media sites as being backed by the Council or the
Community Safety Partnership.
•
•
More broadly, there was a recommendation for more
monitoring of social media sites to increase awareness
of local issues and the concerns of young people.
Where young people felt that residents in the borough
may have beliefs that would lead them to harm other
people this was predominantly linked to gang
membership.
•
Therefore, there is a need to be careful in introducing
these terms, even if the intention is that through
education the young people may be better prepared to
deal with these topics in the future.
•
There was a lack of understanding and awareness of
issues of sexuality which may need to be addressed in
order to increase tolerance and reduce the risk of
potential discrimination in the future.
•
Ethnic diversity and promoting peaceful societies were
strong cultural values amongst the young people
surveyed and therefore could be used as a base from
which to promote other human rights issues and
encourage participation in civic activities.
108
For Further Information Please Contact:
James Gould
Youth Participation Officer
Waltham Forest Council
020 8496 8105 / 07807 035680