News & Updates
Youth Isolation Toolkit -Neighbourhood Watch
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The new youth isolation toolkit gathers together various pieces of evidence about the shocking scale of the problem of loneliness among young people in the UK, and the impact that it can have on the young people affected and on society generally
Neighbourhood Watch is keen to raise awareness of the problem of loneliness and isolation among young people because young people who experience these can be more vulnerable to becoming victims of crime – particularly high-harm crimes such as child sexual exploitation or county lines drugs gangs. This is of particular concern at this time when physical distancing due to COVID-19 means young people are not able to physically meet up with their friends and socialise, and may feel even more isolated.
The toolkit signposts people to a host of online services and guidance that can help young people who may be suffering from loneliness and isolation, and to resources that they can use to help spread the word about the problem locally, so that other members of the community, family members, friends or neighbours of young people can help too. It also gives guidance for parents on how to talk to young people about their feelings – at a time when families have more time to do so.