12 th May 2011

12th May 2011

Social research report for:

London Borough of Waltham Forest: Community Cohesion Survey Findings – Final Report

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

23%

8%

16%

19%

16%

18% Connaught

GeorgeMitchell

Heathcote

Kelmscott

Lammas

Willowfield

Number of responses by school

% responses by school School Number of completed questionnaires

Connaught School for Girls

112

George Mitchell School 99

Heathcote School 120

Kelmscott School 144

Lammas School 53

Willowfield School 100

Total 628

Quantitative Survey: Responses by SchoolA 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%).

6

Base: 527 RespondentsBalance: Not stated

Gender Age


6%

55%

39%

Male Female Prefer not to say

7%

4%

33% 56%

14 years 15 years 16 years Prefer not to say

Quantitative Survey: Gender and Age of RespondentsMore 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.

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


Ethnicity

1118

33

62

106

14

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

White British White Other Black / BlackBritish

Asian /Asian British

Mixed Race Chinese Other Prefer not tosay

% R

espo

nden

ts

Quantitative Survey: Ethnicity of RespondentsThe 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%).

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%)

8

Quantitative Survey: Religion of Respondents83% 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

30

1 1 1

48

1 1

17

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Christian Buddhist Hindu Jewish Muslim Sikh Any otherreligion

No religionat all

% R

espo

nden

ts

9

RESEARCH FINDINGS:

PARTICIPATION, DECISION MAKING AND COMMUNICATION

10

Base: 619 RespondentsBalance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed

Participation In out of school activities

75

47

23

106 4

92

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Hanging outwith friends

Sports andleisure

activities

Religiousactivities

Study groups Volunteeringactivities

Otheractivities

Don't do anyactivitiesoutsideschool

Prefer not tosay

% R

espo

nden

ts

Out of School ActivitiesThe 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.

Higher amongst • Asian (29%) and Black (35%)

respondents• Kelmscott School (33%)

Higher amongst • White British (83%)

and White Other (82%)

11


Time spent at social venues

35

11

556

1617

2021

2548

5263

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Prefer not to say

Other places

Other Boroughs

Sports/activity centres

Entertainment/shopping outlets

Internet cafes

I don't go to any places apart from my home

Places of learning

After school clubs

Cafes and takeaways

Places of worship

Leisure centres or gyms

Parks

Relative's houses

Friend's houses

% Respondents

Social VenuesIn 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%).

12

Base: Shown in brackets aboveBalance: Not stated / don’t know

Influencing decisions

-26

-37

-17

-9

-21

-23

-4

-3

-33

-10

-2

-2

23

56

40

5

7

21

46

15

-100% -80% -60% -40% -20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I can make a difference to howmy country is run (515)

I can help make decisions aboutthings that happen in my local

area (518)

I can help make decisions aboutthings that affect me at school

(579)

I am free to make my owndecisions about the types ofactivities I do outside school

(599)

% Respondents

Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagree

Degree of InfluenceWhilst 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).

13

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.

• 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)

“We have JLT meetings where we can have a say on things.” (School

group)

“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)

15


Dealing with issues affecting the local area

20

6

6

6

6

10

10

14

16

20

44

47

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Don't know

Attend a public meeting

Speak to a religious leader

Organise a petition

Join an action group

None of the above

Speak to another adult in your community

Contact someone in the local council

Speak to a teacher

Speak to another family member

Speak to a friend

Speak to a parent

% Respondents

Communication RoutesIf 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.

16

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


A sense of belonging

-27

-30

-24

-27

-20

-20

-18

-8

-8

-16

-12

-12

-6

-12

-7

-5

-2

-2

38

37

45

29

42

37

44

32

23

20

27

23

39

32

40

46

58

33

-100% -80% -60% -40% -20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Europe (512)

Waltham Forest (526)

Great Britain (528)

Your neighbourhood (564)

Your religious community (516)

London (549)

Your ethnic group (518)

Your age group (583)

Your friendship group (569)

% Respondents

Very stronglyFairly stronglyNot very stronglyNot at all

Sense of BelongingThe 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.

19


Pride in Waltham Forest

13

40

22

1015

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Very proud of thearea

Fairly proud of thearea

Not very proud of thearea

Not at all proud of thearea

Don't know

% R

espo

nden

ts

Civic PrideOver 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.

Higher amongst:• Kelmscott School (24%)

Lower amongst:• White British respondents (5%)• Heathcote School (5%)

Higher amongst:• George Mitchell School (19%)

20

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.

“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)

“There’s a lot of gang violence around here.”(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)

“The crime and the amount of murders that happen, it’s always displayed on

the news.” (Young Advisors 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.

• 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.

“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.”


“Probably the education. If that deteriorated I don’t think I would be

proud of the council.” (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.”


22

Qualitative insights around civic pride (3)

“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)

• 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.

23


Cultural connections

89 89 88

5648

42

20

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

I have friendsthat are White

I have friendsthat are Black

I have friendsthat are Asian

I have friendsthat are from

EasternEurope

I have friendsthat areChinese

I have friendsfrom ethnic

backgroundsnot listed here

I don't have anyfriends from

different ethnicbackgrounds

% R

espo

nden

tsEthnic DiversityOnly 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.

24


Waltham Forest as a place where people from different backgrounds get on well

21

49

105

16

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Definitely agree Tend to agree Tend to disagree Definitely disagree Don't know

% R

espo

nden

ts

Community CohesionOver 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.

Lower amongst:• Heathcote School (8%)

25


To what extent would you agree that “people should respect the culture and religious beliefs of others even when different to their own?

60

137

1 1

18

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nordisagree

Disagree Strongly disagree Don't know

% R

espo

nden

tsRespect for Other Cultures and Religious BeliefsIt 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.

Higher amongst:• Asian / Asian British respondents (79%)• Connaught (77%) and Kelmscott Schools (76%)• Females (66%)

Lower amongst:• Heathcote School (27%)• White British respondents (45%)• Black / Black British (51%)

26


In the last four weeks have you done any of the following things?

2732

72

23

9

22 18 16

0102030405060708090

100

Helped anelderly ordisabledperson

Helped carefor someonewho is sick

Donesomethingelse to help

family orfriends

Donesomething

else to help aneighbour orsomeone in

the local area

Volunteeredfor a charity ora local group

Taken part inor helped outwith a sportsclub / team

Helped out ina school or

with a schoolactivity

None of these

% R

espo

nden

tsCommunity InvolvementAlmost 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.

• Higher at Kelmscott School (35%)• Lower at George Mitchell School (12%)

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


Safety in situations

-31

-36

-37

-17

-10

-5

-5

-25

-13

-10

-4

-2

-5

-2

39

39

56

44

29

38

14

13

14

22

44

62

55

29

-100% -80% -60% -40% -20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

When walking alone in your localarea after dark (602)

When in other areas of London(567)

When in different parts ofWaltham Forest (566)

On public transport (587)

When walking alone in your localarea during the daytime (606)

In school (595)

On the journey to and fromschool (599)

% Respondents

Very safeQuite safeQuite unsafeVery unsafe

Community SafetyIn 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%).

30

Base: 514 RespondentsBalance: Not stated / did not feel unsafe / multiple responses allowed

Reasons for feeling unsafe

73

49

37 34 3327

19

410

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Gangs Hearingstories of

attacks andfights in these

places

Dangerousdogs being

around

A possibleterroristattack

People beingaggressivetowards me

The time itmight take forthe Police toarrive if there

was aproblem

Swearing onpublic

transport

Sexualharassment

Other

% R

espo

nden

tsThreats to Personal SafetyNearly 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%).

• Higher at Lammas School (89%)• Higher at Willowfield School (83%)• Lower at Heathcote School (61%)

31

Base: 97 RespondentsBalance: Not stated / don’t know / feel safe on the bus / don’t use public buses

Perceptions of Safety on Public BusesSome respondents were able to cite specific bus routes as being particularly unsafe. The two most commonly mentioned were the ’58’ and ‘158’ routes.

Bus number

Route No. respondents

58 Walthamstow Central, East Ham, Central Park, Belmont Road, Britwell Shopping Centre

13

158 Stratford, Chingford Mount 1169 Canning Town, Walthamstow Central 6W15 Pembury Road, William Morris School 697 Leyton, Downsell Road, Chingford Station 548 London Bridge, Walthamstow Central 5W11 Walthamstow Central, Chingford 5230 Upper Walthamstow, Wood Green 4

Specific mentions were also given to the following areas:

• Walthamstow – 16 respondents• Hackney (outside Borough) – 13 respondents• Leyton – 8 respondents

• 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:

32


Making people safer on buses

6458

36 3428

412

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Cameras beingclearly visible

Having PCSOstravel on the bus

Another adult onthe bus

Signs tellingpeople what

number to ring ifthey feel

physicallythreatened

Signs tellingpeople that badbehaviour won't

be tolerated

Other I don't thinkanything more

needs to be done

% R

espo

nden

ts

Improving Safety on Public BusesAlmost 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.

• Higher amongst Asian / Asian British (73%)

33


How worried are you about the following?

-26

-24

-23

-27

-35

-19

-16

-22

-24

-24

-38

-39

-31

-23

-15

-23

-18

-12

-9

-7

11

16

19

26

16

17

29

25

31

20

26

30

30

24

43

48

37

43

38

15

-100% -80% -60% -40% -20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Violence from your friends towards you (575)

Being attacked because of your sexuality (582)

Being attacked because of your religion (581)

Being attacked because of your skin colour (585)

Being insulted while in the street or any other public place (582)

Being kidnapped (578)

Being sexually assaulted (565)

Having your home broken into and something stolen (589)

Being physically attacked (581)

Being mugged or robbed (578)

% Respondents

Very worriedFairly worriedNot very worriedNot at all worried

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).

34

Qualitative Insights around Safety ConcernsThe 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.

• 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’.

• 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.

“I’m reasonably worried [about being physically

attacked].” (School group)

“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)

“A girl in our school was attacked by a group of girls. Girls attack girls and boys

attack boys.” (Christian group)

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).

• 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.

“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)

“Not in this area.” (School group)

“It is safe… It is more safe here than it is around

there (Canning Town).” (School group)

36

• 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.

• 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.

“I think it’s older people (that harass the young people) in

their thirties and stuff.” (Young Adviser group)

“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)

Qualitative Insights around Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (2)

37

Qualitative Insights around issues of Sexuality and SafetyThe 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.

“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)

“It is just becoming a regular word now...People just use it, it doesn’t mean anything anymore.” (School

group)

38


Threats to safety

13

2

8

9

10

14

17

23

26

70

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Don't know

None of the above / nobody

Girlfriends

Female friends

Family members

Boyfriends

Male friends

Other adults

Other young people

Gang members

% Respondents

Perceptions of Risk to Young PeopleOver 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.

More likely amongst female respondents

39


Frequency of physical or sexual attacks

12

29 30

9

19

10

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Very common Fairly common Not very common Not at all common Don't know Prefer not to say

% R

espo

nden

ts

Perceived Frequency of Physical and Sexual AttacksJust 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.

• Higher at Kelmscott School (17%)• Lower at Heathcote School (5%)

40

Qualitative Insights: Time, Space and PlaceIn 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 HearsayIt 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.

“Its just the things you hear really.” (School group)

“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)

“Even if you don’t read about it in the newspaper, you will always hear about

it.” (School group)

“You only have to be at school and it (stories about sexual assault) will go

around.” (School group)

42


Reporting Crime

30%

26%

44% Yes

No

Don't know

Confidence in Reporting Crime to the PoliceMore 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.

Higher at Lammas (54%) and Willowfield (53%) schools

43


Victims of Crime

12

2

5

5

7

8

10

10

12

56

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Prefer not to say

I have been subject to violence or verbal abuse because of mysexuality

I have been subject to violence or verbal abuse because of myreligion

I have been sexually assaulted

I have been subject to violence or verbal abuse because of thecolour of my skin

I have been physically attacked

I have been insulted in a public place

I have had my home broken into

I have been mugged or robbed

No, I have not been a victim of crime or anti-social behaviour

% Respondents

Being a Victim of CrimeMore 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%).

Lower amongst Black / Black British (49%)

Higher amongst Males (20%)

44

Qualitative Insights around Making Waltham Forest SaferParticipants 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.

• 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.

• That being said, there was a suggestion that more police were required to provide an increased focus on gang activity.

“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 feel safer if there was more Police, in the back areas as well as on the main high road.” (School group)

“I think there should be CCTV cameras watching all day and all night.” (School group)

“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 could actually be proved that you actually got attacked by someone.” (School 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)

“We need one hundred and twenty more police officers. We don’t have enough.” (Muslim group)

“I think the police are scared of the gangs and don’t want to do anything about them.” (Christian group)

45

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


Proportion of young people becoming involved in gangs

6%

29%

7%

58%

Yes

No

Don't know

Prefer not to say

Involvement in GangsThree 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.

Particularly those from Kelmscott School (78%) and respondents aged 15 years (68%)

48


The perceptions of a gang?

12

11

5

6

11

19

32

44

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

None of the above

All of the above

A group of people with the same religious beliefs

A group of people with the same skin colour

A group of people who believe in the same things

A group of people hanging around together to socialise

A group of people who live in similar post-codes or areas

A group of people hanging around together to cause trouble

% Respondents

Perceptions of GangsCausing 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).

Black / Black British respondents more likely to feel this way (30%)

Asian / Asian British respondents more likely to feel this way (53%)

49


Areas of gang activity

27

6

12

19

21

24

25

25

35

47

48

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Don't know

None of these areas

Temple Mills

Blackhorse Road

Lea Bridge

North Leytonstone

South Leytonstone

Highams Park

Chingford

Leyton

Walthamstow

% Respondents

Understanding of Gang LocationsThe 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.

Females were less likely to perceive problems with gangs in most areas

50


Motivations for joining

12

6

12

22

32

33

33

35

38

45

48

50

55

67

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Don't know

Other

To go through the process of 'initiation'

Because they have the same interests in things

A lack of opportunities

They are offered money

They are bullied or pressured into joining

Because of their upbringing / family

Boredom

Because of where they live

To feel safe

Peer pressure

Protection

To earn respect

% Respondents

Motivations for Joining GangsThe 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%).

51


10 13

2318 15

21

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100



% R

espo

nden

ts

Gang Membership in SchoolsNearly 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.

• 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%)

52

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, area-based, 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 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.

“They’re everywhere. There’s three gangs in Walthamstow at least. They’re big, well known

gangs.” (School group)

“There’s lots of gangs walking past you. Normally you see people in big groups and

sometimes you feel a bit scared.” (Muslim group)

“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)

“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)

“The younger ones look at the past they’ve had, (they) try and

top that.” (Young Advisors Group)

53

• 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.

• 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.

“They make the postcode their territory. They act like they own it.” (School group)

“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)

Qualitative insights on Gangs (2)

“You get all types of gangs, like you get a gang that represents

a type of area or postcode.” (School group)

“It doesn’t matter where or what time of day it is (gangs are there).” (PRU

interviews)

54

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

“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)

Qualitative insights on Gangs (3)

“In a school you’re kind of slightly protected in a way. But as soon as you leave the school gates….” (Young Advisors Group)

“Explore their talents because a lot of them have free time on their hands

and are really talented.” (Young Advisors Group)

“I think schools should start having school busses… because it will be a lot safer.” (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


Influencers on opinion

-27

-24

-30

-25

-26

-23

-20

-19

-15

-29

-28

-15

-10

-8

-7

-5

-4

-3

27

36

42

41

40

37

44

38

20

20

19

24

26

31

38

33

43

25

-100% -80% -60% -40% -20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Politicians (443)

Religious leaders (446)

Teachers (480)

National newspapers (472)

Local papers (493)

Friends (496)

Family (492)

The internet (502)

Television and radio (506)

% Respondents

To a great extentTo some extentA littleNot at all

Use of News and other Information SourcesIt 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.

58


Trusted Sources of Information

4

10

10

12

12

13

21

36

43

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Politicians

Teachers

Religious leaders

The internet

National newspapers

Local papers

Friends

Television and radio

Family

% Respondents

Trusted News and Information SourcesThe 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%).

59

• 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.

• 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.

Qualitative insights on Information SourcesThe 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.

“That’s why its happening a bit more, because the media is putting it around.”

(Muslim group)

“There’s a lot of crime in the news.” (Muslim group)

“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.”


“You forget that newspapers are biased as well because they have political affiliations.”


“The internet, most of it is a load of crap…. You can upload anything.”

(Young Advisor Group)

“Facebook… it’s poison. There’s so many groups on Facebook. Some people go on to look for fights.”

(Young Advisor Group)

60

Base: Shown in brackets aboveBalance: Not stated / don’t know / prefer not to say

Agreement with topical issues

-40

-18

-20

-12

-10

-8

-8

-5

-7

-3

-6

-2

-2

-3

-14

-16

-2

-3

-1

-2

-1

18

22

23

22

13

15

27

41

53

56

66

75

73

15

-100%

-80% -60% -40% -20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The West is waging war on Islam (374)

It's OK to be gay (447)

Religion should not influence politics (453)

Having a mix of people from different backgrounds in an areamakes it a better place to live (470)

Everyone should have the right to free speech (482)

Men and women should have equal rights (473)

People should be able to choose whether or not to follow a religion(483)

% Respondents

Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagree

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%).

61


Acceptability of violence

12

7

8

8

19

20

48

52

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Prefer not to say

If you were asked to by somebody you trusted and respected

If you were ordered to by someone you were frightened of

If you were ordered to by somebody you trusted and respected

If it was for something you believed in

Never

To defend loved ones or friends

If your life depended on it and you had to

% Respondents

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.

62

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


People with harmful beliefs within local area

12

26 23

95

26

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100



% R

espo

nden

ts

Harmful BeliefsNearly 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.

• More likely at Heathcote school (36%)

65


Understanding content of beliefs

33

2

11

17

17

23

24

26

28

31

42

46

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Don't know

Other issues

Pollution

The local area

Global issues

School issues

Immigration

Anti-gay beliefs

Politics

Territory

Religion

Gangs

% Respondents

The Nature of Harmful BeliefsViews 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%).

Respondents at Kelmscott School were significantly more likely to see these beliefs as being about politics, religion, global issues, anti-gay views and immigration

Less likely amongst Females (19%)

66


Young people sharing harmful beliefs

12

36

18

2

29

20

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Very common Fairly common Not very common Not at all common Don't know Prefer not to say

% R

espo

nden

tsPrevalence 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.

• More likely at Kelmscott School (18%)

67


Origins of negative beliefs

24

2

12

16

25

31

35

46

57

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Don't know

Other

Leaflets / pamphlets

Books

Other adults with similar beliefs

From themselves

The internet

Family members with similar beliefs

Friends with similar beliefs

% Respondents

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.

• More likely amongst Asian / Asian British respondents (44%)

• More likely at Kelmscott School (48%)• Less likely at Heathcote School (18%)

68

Base: 374 Respondents knowing of groups like theseBalance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed

43

44

48

48

52

52

53

54

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Non-Christian values and beliefs being part of UK Law

Higher taxes to pay for Government services

Taking positive action to promote peace

Preaching hatred and promoting violence towards people ofdifferent religions

Believing that Muslims shouldn't be able to practice their religionfreely in the UK

Stopping people from other countries coming to live in the UK

Campaigning for better Human Rights across the world

Promoting a greener society

% Respondents

Nb: Figures in chart above denote % of the number that know of such groups (374) not overall sample (628)

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%).

• Higher at Willowfield school (73%) and lower amongst females (46%)

Knowledge of Groups with Strong Views

69

Base: 296 respondents given a leafletBalance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed

Receipt of leaflets

30

33

35

37

39

39

40

53

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100









% Respondents

Nb: Figures in chart above denote % of the number given a leaflet (296) not overall sample (628)

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%).

Higher at Heathcote School (50%)

70

Base: 264 Respondents that would consider going to a meetingBalance: Not stated / multiple responses allowed

Reasons to attend community meetings

30

31

33

33

38

39

44

50

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100









% Respondents

Nb: Figures in chart above denote % of the number that would consider going to a meeting (264) not overall sample (628)

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%).

Higher amongst Asian / Asian British (56%)

71

Qualitative insights on Perceived Meaning of ExtremismQualitative 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)

“EMOs and Goths and chavs and people like that.” (Young

Adviser group)

“Over the top behaviour.” (School

group)

“Graffiti?” (School group)

“Terrorism.” (Muslim 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.

“I have no idea what it is.” (School group)

“For some people its (extremism) to do with religion, for others its politics.”

(Muslim group)

72

Qualitative insights on Knowledge of Extremist GroupsKnowledge 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.

• 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 non-Muslims.

“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)

“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)

“The English Defence League.” (Muslim Group)

“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: GenderCross-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


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


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

Base: 52 Respondents commenting. Balance: Not stated / don’t know

Is there anything else you would like to tell Waltham Forest Borough Council about any of the issues raised within this questionnaire?

UNPROMPTED FEEDBACK52 respondents to the quantitative survey chose to make additional comments. These primarily related to discrimination against certain groups

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%)

10) Improve transport infrastructure (4%)

“There is too much racism and too much Muslim hatred.”

“Waltham Forest needs to organise more after school activities for young people.”

“There should be more cameras around the places crime happens.”

“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.”

“There is too much traffic.”

83

SEGMENTATION MODEL FOR ENGAGING YOUNG

PEOPLE WITH COMMUNITY ISSUES

84

INTRODUCTION TO SEGMENTATIONAttitudinal 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.

In this survey, cluster analysis was used primarily in order to identify specific groups of respondents that shared similar beliefs and character traits.

A six-cluster solution was adapted for the young people completing the community cohesion survey in Waltham Forest.

Segment identifier questions included:

• 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

85

SEGMENTATION OF MODELSix segments of young people in Waltham Forest were identified using cluster analysis, with proportional coverage of between 11% and 21%.

18%

21%

15%

20%

15%

11%

Segment 1: ‘Well informed, but worried’

Segment 2: ‘No worries but conscious of civil liberties’

Segment 3: ‘Civil liberty apathy’Segment 4: ‘Fearful, even of friends’

Segment 5: ‘Supportive of civil liberties but disenfranchised / disaffected’

Segment 6: ‘Civil liberty apathy and less linked to wider community’

86

Segmentation ModelSix 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 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 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 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 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

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

87

Segment 1: Well informed but worriedThis 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’.

No. respondents in segment

% of sample

114 18%

88

Segment 1: Well informed but worriedThis 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 libertiesThis 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.


• 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.


• More frequently Male. No. respondents in segment

% of sample

130 21%

90

Segment 2: No worries but conscious of civil libertiesThis 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.


• 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%).


91

Segment 3: Civil liberty apathyThis 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.


• Feel safe when walking alone in their local area during the daytime and on public transport.


• 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.


• More frequently Heathcote School;• Less frequently Asian / Asian British; and• Less frequently Muslim.


% of sample

96 15%

92


• 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%).


Segment 3: Civil liberty apathyThis 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.

93

Segment 4: Fearful, even of friendsThis 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.


• 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.


• More frequently Female;• More frequently Muslim;• More frequently Asian / Asian British; and• More frequently Lammas School.


% of sample

125 20%

94


• 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%).


Segment 4: Fearful, even of friendsThis 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.

95

Segment 5: Supportive of civil liberties but disenfranchised / disaffectedThis 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.


• 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.


• 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.


• More frequently Female;• More frequently White British;• More frequently Connaught School; • More frequently ‘no religion at all’; and• Less frequently Muslim.


% of sample

94 15%

96


• 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%).


Segment 5: Supportive of civil liberties but disenfranchised / disaffectedThis 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.

97

Segment 6: Civil liberty apathy – less linked to wider communityThis 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 multi-culturalism and were less connected to wider networks of people.


• 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.


• More frequently Heathcote School; and• Less frequently Asian / Asian British.


% of sample

69 11%98


• 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%).


Segment 6: Civil liberty apathy – less linked to wider communityThis 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 multi-culturalism and were less connected to wider networks of people.

99

Segmentation ConclusionsBased 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

Low concern for personal safety

Likely to engage with the Council to discuss issues

Unlikely to engage with the Council to discuss issues

Segment 1

Segment 2

Segment 3

Segment 4

Segment 5

Segment 6

100

Segmentation ConclusionsUsing 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 Segment 2 Segment 3

Segment 4 Segment 5 Segment 6

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

Conclusions

103

• 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.

Conclusions

104

RECOMMENDATIONS

105

• 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.

RecommendationsParticipation, Decision Making and Communication

• 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.

Community Cohesion

106

• 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.

• 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.

RecommendationsPerceptions of Community Safety

• 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.

• 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.

Gangs and Gang Related Violence

107

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

RecommendationsFormation and Nature of Cultural Beliefs

• 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.

• 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.

Extremism

108

For Further Information Please Contact:

James GouldYouth Participation OfficerWaltham Forest Council

020 8496 8105 / 07807 035680

12 th May 2011

Documents

Transcript of 12 th May 2011