together-safe-space

What does ‘Safe Space’ mean to me?

First in our 16 Days of Activism series is a personal insight into what makes a truly safe space for one individual, that we think sums it up perfectly.

together-safe-space

What does ‘Safe Space’ mean to me?

First in our 16 Days of Activism series is a personal insight into what makes a truly safe space for one individual, that we think sums it up perfectly.

Unless you have experienced what it is like to feel unsafe, you may never truly understand the value of ‘Safe Spaces’. It is an actual supportive and loving space where you can remember to breathe freely. You can allow yourself to permit oxygen to fill your lungs to its capacity and come alive again. 

It is a place to take the weight and burden off of your shoulders even for a short while because dropping that heavy load altogether could mean losing your beloved children, your home or your life. It is a place where you can remember that it is Ok to value yourself, still smile and be amazed to catch yourself off-guard by laughter that was buried deep inside of you. It is a safe place for healing, restoration and liberation without judgement and condemnation.

A ‘Safe Space’ is not just a discreetly tucked away building with security measures in place. A ‘Safe Space’ is the people hosting and working in that special space. It is a group of incredible, caring, trauma-informed, experienced people. They know what you have been through and what you are going through but more importantly they know where you need to get to and how to help you get there!!! 

Voices was my Safe Space.

Quotation marks

This service has saved my mental health and has provided a safe service whilst helping with coping mechanisms for the future.

- Lena

Latest news

post image

VOICES Public Survey

VOICES is developing a new five year strategy and we’d like to hear from you.  Please click the link below to fill in our short form. You will be helping VOICES improve our services and to ensure we continue to meet the needs of the local community: https://forms.gle/ggNTr6WXw63tPa4T8 VOICES is an independent charity based in…

1-1

Welcome to our new CEO Emily Denne to the VOICES team

VOICES would like to welcome our new CEO Emily Denne to the team. Emily has been working in this sector for over 15 years, is a trauma-informed specialist practitioner and is a keen advocate for ensuring lived experience is heard in policy and practice. Emily is delighted to be joining VOICES – having been drawn to…

Screenshot 2023-08-24 at 10.49.10

Voices have contributed to the new BANES Domestic Abuse leaflet.

This leaflet has been compiled for those exsperiencing domestic abuse and seeking support in the BANES area. There is a comprehensive list of contacts for local and national organisations offering a range of support.