Sabrina Mohammed•10 months ago Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Forest Gate have told us loud and clear: they need a safe, inclusive space where they can belong.Too many SEND young people in Newham face bullying, harassment, and exclusion. After COVID and the closure of NEON and Newham College programmes, opportunities have disappeared. Parents and carers have shared with youth workers that their children are now left at home, feeling isolated and losing confidence. Attending courses and youth sessions used to be their chance to socialise, develop skills, and feel included — but now these opportunities are gone.Safe Space, Strong Futures will change that.This project will run two days a week at Forest Gate Youth Zone, creating a safe and welcoming environment tailored to SEND needs. It will provide:
Art therapy and creative sessions to support emotional wellbeing.
Physical activities to keep young people active and reduce stress.
Trips and outings to help build independence and life skills.
A sensory-friendly space, with the right equipment and trained staff.
Support from youth workers, CAMHS, and volunteers, ensuring sessions are safe, professional, and inclusive.
What makes this project powerful is that it is youth-led. I am a young person with Down syndrome, and I know first-hand how few opportunities exist for SEND young people once we leave school. With other SEND youth leaders, I will help shape the programme to make sure it meets our needs and gives us a voice.The benefits will be life-changing:
Health and Wellbeing: reducing isolation, improving mental health, and building confidence.
Community Safety: giving vulnerable young people a safe alternative to being left out or targeted.
Public Spaces: making Forest Gate Youth Zone truly inclusive for all.
By voting for Safe Space, Strong Futures, you are voting for a fairer, healthier, and more inclusive Forest Gate. Together, we can make sure SEND young people are not left behind — but instead, have the same opportunities as everyone else to thrive, connect, and build strong futures.Here are some testimonials of the needs for this project.“Since my college programme stopped, I’ve just been at home. I want somewhere safe to go, to meet people like me and not feel left out.” – Young person with SEND“I just want to do normal activities like art, trips, and sports, but in a place where I don’t feel judged.” – Young person, Forest Gate“When the adult courses ended, my son lost his only way of meeting friends. He spends too much time isolated now. This project would give him back his independence.” – Parent of SEND young person“Families like ours need this. We want to see our children happy, confident, and part of the community, not shut away at home.” – Carer from Forest Gate
