A real or imagined space where a person is, and feels they are, safe from risk of physical, psychological or emotional harm.
A safe space is important when working with young people who have lived through ACEs.
ACEs often mean a young person has become used to out for, and being exposed to, real physical, emotional or psychological harm or hardship. The world, and people in it, can feel unpredictable and hard to trust, because in the past people have misused power over them.
We need to create safe spaces in our work to support young people to reflect, express, share, listen, trust, feel and connect, a safe space.
In the Attune project, young people told us that a safe space helped them to feel
cosy, calm and comfortable
care for, contained and protected
free and welcome to be themselves
that they belong to a community, are important and wanted
free from physical, emotional or psychological harm or threat
The resource invites young people to work in partnership with professionals from their settings.
The scenarios in the resource are informed by what young people shared in the Attune project. Some scenarios represent ACEs. This could present some challenges to feelings of safety.
The resource invites reflection, sharing, discussion and creativity. This will not be possible if the young person feels unsafe.
Creating a safe space is a first step in using Validating Voices
How to create a safe space
This is a process that takes some time. It is a ‘living’ thing that can change over time. Each person will have a different sense of what is a safe space for them. Here are some guiding points and some ideas.
Think about what you need to feel safe.
Is it with people or on your own? What are you doing in your safe space? What features make this space good for you? Understanding your own experience of safety will help you appreciate the needs of others. What will help you to feel safe using the resource? Maybe good planning, the support of colleagues, knowing you have a good relationship with the young people?
Design a den
Either real or imagined. In the Attune project, young people enjoyed making dens from basic materials and in everyday spaces. It may help you to think about how your setting may feel safe or unsafe for young people at different times.
Work with colleagues and set your intentions.
Build a shared understanding with your colleagues about what a safe space should be like in your setting when using the resource. Tell young people this is your intention and that you hope you can work together to develop this.
Involve young people.
They could draw a safe space with as much detail as they like. Use it as a way to explore what makes it safe and what it feels likes to them in that space. Highlight similarities and differences between people and what feels safe. You may be surprised.
