Work in schools

Introducing Your Space - our prevention work in schools

Safety Net works with schools across Cumbria to deliver our prevention and support work to young people, through a project called Your Space.

Our aim is to increase young people’s emotional resilience, self esteem and confidence to tackle situations that are impacting on their wellbeing. Our work with young people also increases their awareness around how and when to ask for help, and where to access support. Ultimately this work prevents and reduces their vulnerability to abuse.

The services we offer include:

  • Your Space: dedicated 1:1 support for young people, based within schools.

  • Peer group sessions and workshops on Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) topics in schools.

  • Workshops for staff and parents.

  • Advice and support to professionals working in schools and young people’s services.

Your Space: 1 to 1 support for young people

Our 1 to 1 sessions and group work give young people a safe space to discuss and get support for issues which may affect their daily lives, such as:

  • Relationships with peers/ romantic partners.

  • Family relationship breakdown.

  • Sexuality and sexual health.

  • Gender identity issues.

  • Online safety.

  • Self-harming.

  • Anxiety / low mood.

Sessions are led by our Trauma Informed Practitioners and supported by the therapy team. Within each tailored session, we might explore healthy relationship skills, mindfulness techniques, art therapy and coping strategies. The aim is for young people to develop resilience and confidence in tackling situations that are impacting on their wellbeing.

Young man who is sat on a wooden jetty looking at a body of water.

Your Space: advice and training to staff and parents

Safety Net provides tailored advice and support to both schools and young people’s services, on how to support young people who may be affected by some of the issues identified above.

Staff or parent support can also be provided, as required.

For more information on our prevention work, please contact us.

Your Space: peer group sessions and workshops on RSE topics

Safety Net delivers peer group workshops and lessons in schools in Cumbria, as part of the statutory RSE curriculum.  We direct support for any young people who require it following each workshop. Topics covered include:

• Consent

• Online safety

• Sending nude photos

• Pornography

• Healthy relationships

“The support I received allowed me... to think deeper about my emotions which allowed me to progress.”

— Safety Net, young service user