Croydon Safe Space Project

Sam’s mother shared that he was being bullied at school, leading to shyness and anxiety. Sam is part of our Croydon Safe Space project and has been taking part in lots of activities to help build his confidence, including cooking classes.

At Reedham’s 180th anniversary event Sam and a group of young people joined the catering team which provided an incredible opportunity for them to highlight the skills they had developed. The event brought a deep sense of accomplishment to both the staff and participants, as the youth prepared and served out recipes they had mastered.

Sam attendance demonstrated remarkable growth. Initially shy and dealing with bullying at school, he displayed extraordinary courage at the event. nstead of remaining in the dining area, Sam walked behind his youth worker David, confidently mingling with guests and engaging in conversations with individuals far beyond his age group. His transformation has been extraordinary; he is now one of the most vibrant members of our sessions, often leading with laughter and energy.

He aspires to become a chef, as do several others, and the event provided valuable real life work experience in his chosen field. Inspired by his growth and interest, he is now exploring culinary schools, including one recommended by a member of our staff. We have seen similar transformations in other children. Youth who initially kept to themselves now feel comfortable socialising with peers and adults, building friendships and teamwork skills that will serve them for life.