UCSE Support Safe Spaces Project

University Centre South Essex (UCSE) have supported a new project which aims to provide students in the local area with a safe and supportive environment to complete their homework.

Safe spaces for homework is supported by SAVS and is a consortium of organisations with a passion for community and the wellbeing of young people. The consortium includes University Centre South Essex, the Ironworks, Avenue Baptist church, Labyrinth House, the Church of England - Southend Deanery and Southend Virtual School. 

Each safe space is a place where a young person can fully be themselves. Young people are referred by their schools and can then book a place at a safe space of their choice via their free App. 

Rebecca Brazzo, HE Outreach Co-ordinator the University told us: “It’s such a great project to be involved with and we are really proud to be able to help and support this cause. Student Outreach Ambassadors from UCSE will also be working at the project to provide support and mentoring for these young people.”

Rev Claire Abraham, a Church of England Priest in the city founded the safe spaces for homework initiative and chair the board. The idea came from observations, one-to-one conversations with people in the city as well as some research reports.

Claire told us: “The initiative aims to provide a network of safe spaces across Southend; thus helping them to reach their potential irrespective of their own personal circumstances. Each safe space provides kind volunteers to listen and encourage, drinks, toast and fruit so hunger isn’t a barrier, and laptops and free Wi-Fi to eradicate tech barriers.”

“UCSE is one of the organisations that forms our consortium and we are so grateful for their donation of laptops and the allocation of student ambassadors from the widening participation programme.”

Litza Smith, works at Avenue Baptist Church as a child and family worker, said: “When Claire approached me after a meeting last May, and discussed the idea of a Safe Spaces for Homework project, I was in straight away, and the leadership at the church were fully supportive.

“The vision of somewhere that young people could access, independently after school, safely and securely, was so inspiring. Somewhere which has facilities for completing homework, together with something warm to drink, as well as a bite to eat, sounded so simple and straightforward. However, there were many hours of hard work, to ensure the safety of all those involved, as well as developing and adapting an app, policies, background checks etc.”

She added: “Everyone who has learned about this project has been so supportive and enthusiastic about the future benefit of such spaces for young people that many have become stakeholders, contributing to the development of the project . University Centre South Essex have been extremely helpful by donating laptops and offering their expertise.  

After the pilot program at Avenue Baptist church, there are plans to expand the number of venues available, engage with more partner schools as well as encourage further grass roots volunteering. The aim is for safe spaces for homework to become a truly pan Southend initiative which invests in the wonderful young people of this vibrant city over the coming years.

You can find out more about this here: https://www.southendvolunteerhub.org.uk/opportunities/safe-spaces-for-homework-club-tutor/