ALCOHOL and drugs are just two concerns for young people after 1,500 were asked for their views.

The county’s Youth Commission’s has gathered the thoughts of people, aged 14 to 25, who were canvassed at events like Pride marches and career fairs by the county's Youth Commission.

Many young people presented their thoughts on Wednesday, February 12, at Carlisle’s People First Conference Centre, on Milbourne Street.

Katie O’Reilly, youth commission coordinator for Leaders Unlocked, which works with the commission, said: “It’s important to give young people a voice and to include them in the decision-making process.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall said: “Some of the open and honest comments captured included young people witnessing unhealthy relationships within the family home and how this affected their mental health, long waiting times for an initial appointment to access mental health support and how in some areas across Cumbria, drugs and alcohol are extremely accessible, even from a very young age. It’s important that the views of young folk are heard but vital that we act on their findings and recommendations.

The commission was set up in 2017 by Mr McCall.