Coventry introduces over 20 safe spaces for youth, providing essential support and reassurance for young people in the city
Coventry: There are new safe spaces for kids and young people in the city, and folks are calling it a reassuring move. Places like the Skydome, the Wave, and West Orchards are part of this initiative, with over 20 venues joining in.
These spots have staff who’ve received special training. They’re stocked with power banks, chargers, and hygiene packs for kids who might need them. Plus, they’ve got stickers up to show they’re safe spaces for young people.
Officials mentioned that some young people have been avoiding the city center because they don’t always feel safe. James Orchard, the Interim Children’s Champion, pointed out that while these venues already help, the stickers are crucial for kids to know they can get support there.
He really doesn’t want young people feeling scared or worried about going into places. Feedback on the program has been great, especially regarding the staff training. Orchard hopes to get even more venues involved, with libraries joining the mix alongside churches and family hubs.
Councillor Pat Seaman, who oversees children’s services, finds it comforting as a carer that this scheme is in place. She noted it’s especially important for kids in Years Six and Seven, as they’re at that age where they’re learning to navigate the world.
Layla Entwistle, a sixth former on Coventry’s youth council, shared her thoughts. She remembers feeling a lot of responsibility when she got her first phone. For her, having safe spaces in the city is fantastic, though she wishes they had been established sooner.
She mentioned that kids would know to seek help at places like the city’s transport museum and West Orchards, where two of the safe spaces are located. While most teens stick to the city center, she believes expanding the project to areas with safety concerns would be beneficial.
However, Layla thinks more needs to be done to promote the scheme, especially on social media, as she hasn’t seen any child-friendly stickers around yet. She appreciates the availability of power banks but suggests that having more sanitary products for women would be a great addition.
As for the staff at these new venues, they don’t need DBS checks, but they will be trained to assist kids in public spaces, like helping them charge their phones. Chief Inspector Dave Amos explained that these safe spaces are located where kids naturally go and are easily accessible.
He emphasized the importance of training staff to know how to help if a child needs it. It’s all about making sure kids feel comfortable approaching an adult for assistance.
