Inclusion, Accessibility and Safer Spaces in European Youth Work

How do we ensure that everybody feels welcomed and included in European youth work? We can get you started. Our experts are giving their insights to inclusion and accessibility from various points of view.

Safer Space Is Built with Conscious Actions

A safer space is a supportive and safe environment that encourages open-mindedness, respect, and willingness to learn from others as well as physical, mental, and social safety. A safer space takes everyone’s needs into account.

Creating and upholding a safer space is a process that requires constant work and commitment. In a safer space, the power structures and privileges affecting our everyday lives are consciously considered. A safer space emphasises how important our different backgrounds are in shaping how our behaviour affects others. It pays attention to norms and principles as well as requirements for the feeling of safety. A safer space broadens the terms of participation in different activities so that everyone knows they are welcome to join.

What Does It Mean That Everyone is Welcome to Join?

When a person who fits societal norms attends a social setting or wants to feel safe and have an impact, they do not have to think about their gender, sexuality, whiteness, being part of the middle class, being of average weight, religion, language skills or being non-disabled, for instance. How does the person who encounters discrimination or constant inaccessibility in their everyday life know that they have truly been considered?

Inclusion, safer space and accessibility are built piece by piece over time, and we can help you to get started. Read more about how to take these into account already in the planning phase of your work and what kind of quality this brings to people’s participation.