What is a Safe Space for Young People?
A safe space for young people is a calm, supportive environment where they can go when they feel overwhelmed, anxious, or in need of emotional support. It provides access to a trusted adult, peer support, and wellbeing resources in a setting that promotes safety, comfort, and inclusion.
In schools and community settings, a safe space helps young people manage their emotions, reduce stress, and re-engage with learning when they feel ready.
Why Safe Spaces Are Important
Safe spaces play a crucial role in supporting youth wellbeing and mental health. They help young people:
- Feel safe, heard, and respected
- Develop coping strategies and emotional regulation skills
- Access early support before challenges escalate
- Build positive relationships with trusted adults and peers
Creating a safe space in schools or community settings supports a whole‑school approach to wellbeing and inclusion.
What a Safe Space Should Include
An effective school safe space or youth wellbeing area should provide:
- A quiet place for short time-outs, enabling young people to return to lessons when calm
- Support for those feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed
- A welcoming environment where young people feel safe and supported
- Access to wellbeing strategies such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, colouring, or sensory tools
- Information about local wellbeing services in Kent, including Kooth and mentoring support
- Opportunities to connect with peer mentors or trusted adults
What a Safe Space Is Not
To maintain its purpose, a safe space should not be used as:
- ❌ An isolation or exclusion area
- ❌ A disciplinary or behaviour management space
- ❌ A medical or sick bay
A safe space is about support and wellbeing, not punishment.
How to Create a Safe Space for Young People
Creating a safe space in schools or youth settings doesn’t need to be complex. Key steps include:
- Choose the right location
- Accessible and easy to reach
- Somewhere young people already feel comfortable
- Design a calming environment
- Use soft furnishings (beanbags, cushions)
- Include calming lighting and colours
- Add sensory and mindfulness resources
- Provide wellbeing resources
- Activities such as puzzles, drawing, or colouring
- Information on coping strategies and mental health support
- Ensure trusted support is available
- Staff or peer mentors who can listen and guide
- Promote the space positively
- Use inclusive language
- Reinforce that it is voluntary and supportive
Creating a Welcoming Environment
A successful safe space should feel calm, inclusive, and non-judgemental. Consider including:
- Comfortable seating such as beanbags or soft chairs
- Mood lighting and calming colours
- Mindfulness, sensory, and creative activities
- Posters with positive messages and reassurance
It’s also important to include signposting materials for young people who may not feel ready to talk. This could include:
- Local wellbeing and mental health services in Kent
- Online support such as Kooth
- Information on coping strategies and self-help
Choosing the Right Location
The location of a safe space is key to its success. It should be:
- Accessible to all young people
- Located in a space they already use or pass through
- Free from stigma or negative associations
In some primary schools, safe spaces are placed in playgrounds, recognising that unstructured times can lead to increased emotional needs and peer conflict.
Involving Young People in Design
Safe spaces are most effective when they are co-produced with young people. This means involving them in:
- Identifying their needs
- Designing the space
- Choosing resources and activities
- Naming the space
- Reviewing and improving it over time
This approach ensures the space feels relevant, trusted, and valued.
Understanding What Young People Need
Gathering feedback helps create a safe space that truly works.
Example Questions
- What makes you feel safe?
- Where do you feel safest in your school or setting?
- What would you include in your safe space?
- What should the space be called?
Example Insight
In one Kent school, young people highlighted:
- Friends and trusted people to talk to as the most important feature
- Comfortable seating like beanbags
This simple feedback helped shape a space that felt welcoming and supportive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a safe space in schools?
A safe space in schools is a dedicated area where students can go to feel calm, access support, and manage their emotions in a safe environment.
Why are safe spaces important for young people?
They support mental health, reduce stress, and provide early help, enabling young people to cope with challenges and stay engaged in learning.
Who can use a safe space?
Any young person who needs emotional support, a break, or a calm place can use a safe space.
Key Takeaway
A safe space for young people is more than just a room — it is a vital part of supporting mental health, wellbeing, and resilience. When designed well, it empowers young people to feel safe, seek support, and thrive.