Young people shape the future of youth safety

Young people across Essex shared their inspiring ideas on how youth provision can better support safety and wellbeing, as part of the 2025–26 Essex VVU Listening Project.

Local youth groups which took part in the 2025-26 Essex VVU Listening Project were invited to take part in a ‘Youth Voice Competition’, designing concepts and initiatives that would help young people stay safe.

After reviewing a wide range of high-quality entries, judges (our colleagues over at Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services) are delighted to share this year’s winners, recognising creativity, thoughtfulness, and engagement.

Two youth groups were awarded joint first place, winning £100 in vouchers for their organisations: 2nd Hadleigh Girl Guides produced a short film highlighting the concept of “safety shelters” in local shops. Their creative use of a flower symbol to indicate safe spaces for young people demonstrated a simple yet impactful way to improve community safety.

Endeavour Youth Club in Brentwood created a detailed brainstorming board outlining their vision for an inclusive youth space. Their design showcased activities, facilities, access considerations, and location ideas.

In second place was Tiptree Youth Project Outreach (TYPO). TYPO, based in Tiptree, created a comprehensive floor plan for a modern youth club, featuring facilities such as a gym, chill-out areas, games rooms, kitchen, and music space—providing a well-rounded environment for young people to be and feel safe in. TYPO was awarded £75 in vouchers.

Third place came 1st Church Langley Guides in Harlow who won £50 for their Guide Unit by combining creativity and practicality by building a 3D model of an outdoor safe space using craft materials, alongside an indoor youth club floor plan.

Congratulations to all the clubs who took part.