Carrying a weapon is the 'only way to protect yourself', say children who feel unsafe due to a fear of violence.
Knowsley Council looked into how young people feel about violence and knives - an issue which continues to plague our city region.
Young people reported they feel unsafe in a number of areas in the Knowsley borough including parks, the town centre, shops, alleyways and public transport - especially at night and when they are alone.
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This fear is due to an increasing worry of violence, including being 'robbed at knifepoint'.
Worryingly, some children said they may feel the need to carry a weapon as the 'only way to protect yourself'.
When asked what children need to feel safe, one youngster said "kids have to be tough" and another added "there's nothing really, people are going to do what they are going to do".
The research states: "There seemed to be a sense of hopelessness that things can change, as well as signs where young people take their own steps to safeguard themselves in the absence of agency/service support."
Knife crime has plagued our region for many years with reports of weapons being seized by police or used in an attack.
Earlier this year, back in October, a member of staff at Knowsley Town Council was reportedly threatened with a knife.
Carrying a weapon can have heartbreaking consequences on those involved if used.
23-year-old Connor Dockerty, from Litherland, was stabbed to death during an alleged 'revenge' attack in April of this year.
Connor was stabbed in the heart during the attack in Kingsway and later died in hospital.
Two boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were charged for the attack and appeared before Liverpool Crown Court.
Further into the city, the region was once again shocked and heartbroken to discover the death of 12-year-old Ava White who was stabbed in the neck following an incident in the city centre.
Young Ava was out with friends following the Christmas light switch on event in town and died from a single stab wound.
The research suggested that everyone needs to 'work together to make a change' including raising awareness on social media and better lighting in dark spaces.
An increase in police and youth worker presence was suggested to improve safety and more discussions in schools, with the focus on primary education, not just secondary.
When youngsters were asked what others agencies could do to alleviate fears, they suggested an increase in police presence as well as more education on how to stay safe.
Other suggestions included more areas with Wi-Fi, more on offer from community centres and better parental supervision.
Knowsley Children and Families board held a meeting on December 7 as all young people should 'have access to somewhere that makes them feel safe'.
The board was asked to listen to messages from Knowsley's young people and help to identify ways services can be improved.
The report to the board said: " With fewer safe places, we imagine young people would face an increase in mental health problems due to loneliness and isolation.
"Young people needing breaks from home will have no option but the streets and parks. These are places where anti-social and risk-taking behaviour is more likely while unsupervised.
"Without role models or opportunities to learn new skills it could result in lower ambitions and aspirations. We would like to bring groups of young people together so we can identify things that make us all feel safe and welcome, working with young people from all backgrounds and circumstances to make sure we include a range of voices.
"From these conversations we can then create a checklist for services to use, if they achieve the majority of the list, we will say that the y are ‘Youth Approved’ and they would be awarded a window sticker and logo they could use on their website.
"As young people would be involved in the consultation and creation process, they would be able to recognise the safe spaces more easily and know where they are welcome.
"Any businesses or organisations could take part, ensuring that young people feel valued in their community and supported to access a range of services."
A Be Yourself member, aged 16, quoted in the report said that safe spaces are places where people can go to 'feel safe, loved and accepted'.
The added: " It’s important to be with other people like me. Other places could be more welcoming if they were more open with pronouns and had more understanding around mental health and disabilities."
In conclusion, the report stated that supporting young people in Knowsley is a 'collective responsibility' and ideally, 'everywhere would be a safe space'.
It read: "W e are also conscious that things are changing with youth services and we can’t let this impact negatively on our young people.
"We are striving for a better Knowsley in all that we do, and we can’t take any steps back. Due to funding limitations, we understand we do not have the power to create new spaces for young people, but if we work together and listen to each other, we can make sure services we already have access to, are as safe and as welcoming they can be.
"Safe spaces give young people places to connect with each other, get off the streets, a break from the family home and often provide a trusted adult who can support them.
"Safe spaces allow young people to learn and flourish, enhance their aspirations, opportunities to lead and gain confidence and reduce risk taking and criminal behaviour. Safe spaces can look different to everyone, but it is important that young people know where they are welcome and can easily identify this."
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