Council calls on young people to help make Dorset safer 

Young people across Dorset are being urged to have their say and help make their communities safer.  

An online survey is now open to  shape the future of the pioneering Pineapple Project that aims to keep young women and girls in Dorset safer.  

People aged 11 to 25 are encouraged to answer questions about their experiences of feeling safe when out and about in the community.  

Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet member for Children’s Services, Education, and Skills, said "We care passionately about keeping our young people safe and it’s essential we listen to the real-life experience of Dorset’s young people.” 

Through previous surveys, The Pineapple Project has successfully used young people’s feedback to shape the support and services on offer to increase safety in the community. 

We hope as many young people as possible, whatever their gender, have their say now and play their part in making Dorset’s communities safer. 

The Pineapple Project uses both traditional and innovative safeguarding methods to address the risks faced by young women.   

The project provides places in the community and individual volunteer  ‘community guardians’ who girls and young women can turn to. 

These guardians are often based in local shops offering help and a place where young women and girls can go if they feel unsafe. 

The project also focuses on prevention and education, helping to increase awareness and create lasting change. 

The Pineapple Project is currently established in Weymouth, Portland, Swanage and Dorchester. Based on the feedback from young people we will be exploring the opportunities to expand across other areas in Dorset.  

As the project grows and moves into new areas, young people’s voices and feelings are more important than ever. 

While the project primarily focuses on harm affecting young women, this survey seeks insights from all young people. 

The findings will inform both The Pineapple Project’s future work and Dorset Council’s broader safeguarding strategies. 

The online survey is quick and accessible, taking just 3-4 minutes to complete - The Pineapple Project - Young Person's Safety Survey - Dorset Council - Citizen Space 

Parents, carers and youth workers are also being urged to share the survey with young people aged 11–25. 

More information about the work of the Pineapple Project can be found at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/pineapple-project.