Young People’s Voices Driving Positive Change Across Essex

Young people across Essex are continuing to shape the work of Essex VVU, with a range of improvements delivered in direct response to feedback gathered throughout 2025. At the recent Youth Voice Day on 17 October, young people were shown how their views have influenced projects, services and investments designed to make Essex a safer place to live, learn and grow.

A key priority for Essex VVU is ensuring young people have access to opportunities, support and trusted adults. This year, 14 Youth Resources Networkers have been appointed, with one based in every district, borough and unitary authority across Essex. In addition, the VVU grants programme has funded 20 charities and community organisations to deliver activities and support locally, helping to reach more than 3,000 young people. These initiatives contribute to the VVU’s commitment to early intervention and creating positive pathways for young people.

Young people also told us they wanted better access to information, support services and safe spaces. In response, the Essex Youth Map has been expanded and promoted across the county, attracting more than 120,000 views since June 2024. Feedback has also helped shape education programmes delivered in schools, including sessions on knife crime, healthy relationships, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), hate crime awareness, stalking, harassment and online safety. Development is also underway for a new AI safety session to help young people understand emerging risks and opportunities in the digital world.

Creating Safe Spaces

Creating safer places and reducing the fear of crime remains a key VVU priority. Working alongside Essex Police and Community Safety Partnerships, improvements have been made in town centres and public spaces through targeted patrols, enhanced lighting, CCTV upgrades and reassurance activity. Public spaces in Chelmsford, including Central Park and Angel Meadow, have also been improved to be more welcoming and inclusive for girls, while the countywide VAWG Strategy includes commitments to improve safety on public transport.

The feedback shared by young people continues to influence how partners across Essex tackle violence and vulnerability. Through an annual investment of more than £2 million in prevention programmes, the VVU now supports initiatives that reach more than 50,000 people every year. The changes highlighted at Youth Voice Day demonstrate the importance of listening to young people and reinforce the VVU’s priorities of prevention, partnership working, community safety and creating positive opportunities to help all young people thrive.