It was a pleasure to meet the team and the inspiring young women from Anima Youth during a recent visit to their safe space in Croydon. I had the opportunity to speak with two of the youth workers, Kendra and Anna, whose passion and commitment to their work was immediately evident.

Our conversation explored what brought them into youth work, journeys that didn’t start there, but included stops along the way in law and international social policy. Like many powerful stories, theirs were shaped by personal experiences and a deep desire to make a difference. What clearly drives them is a shared passion for supporting young women, challenging inequality, and doing so with integrity, without ever asking anyone to dilute their identity or uniqueness.

Both Kendra and Anna spoke candidly about what the space means to them. Their commitment to authenticity, to meeting young people where they are, and to creating a space that reflects and uplifts them, was clear in every word.

What stood out was how intentional everything is: from the design of the space to the interactions between staff and young people. That sense of care and thoughtfulness is tangible and two weeks later, when I returned to meet the girls themselves, it was clear that this intention had created something truly powerful.

We gathered informally - sitting comfortably on sofas and armchairs. I let the young women know they wouldn’t be named, didn’t have to share anything if they didn’t want to, and were free to speak openly. What struck me immediately was how at ease they were. Unsurprisingly, because every aspect of the environment is designed to help them feel comfortable, safe, and seen.

When asked what they value most about the space, they expressed: being able to be themselves, not feeling judged, and receiving genuine support and guidance. The absence of judgment was mentioned several times.

They described the space as somewhere they could feel "at peace," reflect on their week, and "become a better version of themselves." Their words were deeply empowering and inspiring.

When it came to what they might want to change, there were no suggestions about the space itself, only about life outside of it. They spoke about schools, the wider community, and Croydon more generally. What they wished for was simple but profound: to feel more supported, less judged, more understood, and less violence.

One young woman mentioned bullying, and how it had been addressed in a session, a reminder of the real-life challenges many of them face, and the value of spaces that help them process these challenges and a chance to overcome them.

Although my time with them was brief, just 20 minutes, it was uplifting and eye-opening. Anima Youth is more than just a safe space; it is a model of what happens when youth work is done with care, clarity, and purpose. It reminds us of what becomes possible when adults create spaces where young people can grow, explore authenticity, and build confidence without apology.

A heartfelt thank-you to Kendra, Anna, and the young women of Anima Youth for welcoming me in and allowing me to witness the extraordinary work you do. And a special thank-you to Eloise, the founder of Anima Youth, whose generosity and leadership made it possible for me to attend and experience the space firsthand.

Visit their website to learn more: Anima Youth | Support & Safe Spaces for Girls in Croydon