The Campaign Company assisted East Sussex County Council in gathering evidence to discover what it is like for young people growing up in East Sussex.

Over a month-long period over 60 young people aged 7-19 from two particular East Sussex neighbourhoods – Hollington and Peacehaven - told the County Council how they felt about their area. Using large scale maps and MSN Messenger-style ‘emoticons’ - expressing emotions such as ‘feel safe’ or ‘feel scared’ - young people identified local places and described how they felt about them. They then went out ‘on location’ to film and interview one another talking about these places and what they thought could be done to improve them.

Common themes were identified in both areas and young people had various ideas about what could be done to improve their neighbourhoods. Suggestions ranged from making public transport cheaper and more accessible, to improving street lighting, cleaning and litter and graffiti, and providing more constructive activities for teenagers.

A full report of the project and a DVD of edited footage produced in conjunction with the young people involved was been presented to the County Council. The Council will work to ensure that the young peoples’ views are addressed in their key strategic plans.

It is a constant challenge to engage with young people, and we are always looking for new and innovative ways to do this. The Emotimap approach has the dual benefit of providing a visual interpretation of young peoples’ views about their area, and is also a very effective way of stimulating discussion and debate about local issues that are important to young people.

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