Staying safe when out and about
Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly are safe and beautiful places to live.
However, many young people have told us that they often feel unsafe when out and about.
Here’s what came up
What Makes Young People Feel Unsafe?
- Big rowdy groups, especially if they seem drunk or using drugs
- Walking alone, especially in the dark or late at night
- People following you or approach you aggressively
- Poor street-lighting, unsafe or ‘dodgy’ places
- Crowded areas with older teens or adults, especially near pubs
- Unpredictable behaviour from people under the influence
- Feeling judged or started at inappropriately
What Helps Young People Feel Safer?
- Being with a buddy or small group, rather than on your own
- Well-lit streets, clear paths and safe public spaces
- Telling someone where you’re going and carrying a phone
- Having emergency money and knowing how to get help
- More talks school about real-life safety (not just online safety)
- Knowing local community police officers and other trusted adults
- Recognising signals or supports like Ask for Angela / Angel Shots
So, trust your feelings
If you think a place or person feels or looks unsafe, back away, go to somewhere you feel safe, tell someone or call someone to meet you.
Devon and Cornwall Police have more advice about staying safe available here.
Safer Cornwall provide lots of helpful information for young people in the community, click here for more information.
Remember
Having a phone helps you stay connected, call for help and feel safe when you’re out.
Read more about what young people have asked for and what local services are doing
Young people have asked for
- Safe spaces in the community for all young people
- Training to help them be confident and active bystanders and challenge discrimination safely.
- More road safety help, especially for younger children
- Better access to phones and transport when out and about
- More info about abuse, who to talk to, and what to do
- Building resilience and confidence to help prevent harm
What Local Services Are Doing
The feedback from children and young people has been shared with organisations like Safer Cornwall and Devon & Cornwall Police.
They’re working on things like:
As we've said, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are safe and beautiful places to live, but it is important that you know and understand where and when you might be in danger, and take steps to stay safe. For example, sea safety is particularly important where we live.
Read more about Sea Safety
You are 500 times more likely to drown on a non-lifeguarded beach so choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, where the lifeguards can see you.
Advice from the RNLI
- If you get in trouble in the water – float to live
- Lean back, extend your arms and legs and control your breathing
- Then call for help.
- Share this skill with friends and family – it could save their life
