Strengthening Communities

Make Space For Girls

Putting women and girls’ safety first

Chelmsford City Council and Make Space for Girls worked to improve green spaces' safety and inclusivity for young girls and gender-diverse youth. They engaged the 'Be Her Lead Group' at The Boswells School to make the park more welcoming and amplify youth voices.

In 2022, Chelmsford launched its Women’s Safety Charter, urging organisations to commit to six pledges aimed at enhancing women's safety. This initiative was complemented by the ongoing campaign, "Women’s Safety in Our City," which encourages residents and visitors to reflect on their behaviour and its impact on women's sense of safety.

Who's it for?

Residents living in and around Chelmsford

Prime Objective:

to make Chelmsford's green spaces safer

Second Objective:

to make green spaces more inclusive

Supported by the London Marathon Foundation Places and Spaces Fund, the project focused on Centre Park in Chelmsford, featuring a multi-use games area and a skate park. However, young people felt these facilities didn't make them feel welcome. Through workshops, the group explored public spaces, identified safe areas, and assessed the park's access, lighting, play facilities, and hangout spots, culminating in ideas for park improvements.

As a Muslim woman who wears a headscarf, sometimes I feel uncomfortable like there are people who are judging me.

Young person

90%

of young people felt ‘heard’ and their thoughts taken seriously

80%

of participants would like to have more, similar opportunities

72%

of participants felt more confident discussing what feels safe in Chelmsford

Active Essex played a key role and collaborated with Chelmsford City Council councillors and officers, the Essex Police Children and Young Persons Officer to lead workshop sessions, as well as actively listen to feedback from young people.

Based on the workshops, several actions will look to be implemented over the coming months such as installation of colourful hang-out areas in safe, green spaces, street art projects and other creative ideas tailored to each area.

Highlighting community participation and youth voice is crucial. Instead of assuming, involving young people in green space planning has been enlightening. Our consultants excelled in encouraging youth to share their views, boosting their confidence and self-esteem. Young people truly value safety, inclusivity, and social interaction.

Spencer Clarke, Public Places, Chelmsford City Council

Chelmsford’s Women’s Safety Charter and green spaces initiative showcases a steadfast commitment to safer, more inclusive environments for women and gender-diverse individuals. This project embodies a place-based approach, working with partners and young people to effect change. By focusing on lived experiences and ideas, it provides system leaders with the chance to listen and engage.

The positive feedback from participants highlights the importance of involving young people in the planning and design of public spaces. This initiative serves as a model for other cities aiming to enhance safety and inclusivity in their communities.

Key Learnings

It's important to take time to reflect and understand the learnings from work undertaken, to focus on ways to improve in the future.

Youth Voice

Listening to young people encouraged new outcomes for green spaces and they felt heard

Inclusivity

Focusing on park inclusivity sought a broader understanding of their requirements

Next Case Study:

Mini Goals at Chelmsford Hockey Club