Aya

When Aya first walked through the doors of Safe Space in November 2025, life felt overwhelming. Anxiety had slowly taken control of her world. Once full of plans and possibilities, she found herself unable to attend college face-to-face and spending more and more time isolated at home.

Each day seemed smaller than the last. Her confidence had disappeared, and with it, much of her hope. Her mum worried deeply about her mental health and wondered what the future might look like if things continued this way.

Then Safe Space entered Aya’s life.

There was no pressure when she arrived, no expectations for her to suddenly change overnight. Instead, she found something she hadn’t realised she needed so badly - acceptance. The team and young people welcomed her exactly as she was, allowing her to take things one step at a time, at her own pace.

At first, Aya quietly observed. But slowly, week by week, things began to shift.

She attended one activity. Then another. Before long, she had attended 17 sessions, discovering joy in trying new things and reconnecting with the world around her. Cooking quickly became one of her favourite activities, giving her a chance to laugh, create, and spend time with others without fear or judgement.

The more Aya attended, the more her confidence began to grow.

Safe Space became more than just a project, it became a lifeline.

Through the encouragement and support around her, Aya no longer felt so alone. She started talking more, smiling more, and building meaningful connections with other young people. In time, she became a huge part of the group herself, always willing to welcome new participants and encourage others to join in.

The young woman who had once felt trapped by anxiety was beginning to rediscover her independence.

Today, Aya has started a part-time job and is even learning to drive - milestones that once may have felt impossible. Her mum says the difference in her wellbeing has been incredible and cannot imagine where Aya would be without Safe Space.

For Aya, Safe Space was not just somewhere to go each week. It was a place where she was seen, valued, and supported to believe in herself again.

Safe Space SafeSPACE is for young people aged 13–18 (up to 24 in some circumstances) who are not in education, training or work, or are at risk of this. We run regular, fun group activities (maximum 10 people) in Norwich. Young people from across Norfolk are welcome if they can attend sessions. It’s a chance to meet people, try new things, build confidence and feel more positive about the future. Supported by Anguish’s Educational Foundation and Norfolk Community Foundation through the Healthy Young Minds and Building Skills for Better Futures Funds.


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