Within the SafeSpaces project, Follow Me Association piloted the Safe Spaces methodology in Bulgaria to strengthen support for young migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable young people. The pilot transformed the organisation’s centre into a welcoming environment where participants could feel safe, respected, and supported while professionals enhanced their capacity to respond to diverse and complex needs. By bringing together youth workers, psychologists, social workers, and volunteers, the initiative promoted a shared vision of creating spaces where protection, inclusion, and personal development go hand in hand.
The implementation followed the SafeSpaces Step-by-Step Framework, starting with an assessment of participants’ needs, available community resources, and safeguarding procedures. The team also strengthened referral pathways and cooperation with external stakeholders to ensure coordinated support.
The methodology combined individual mentoring, Personal Development Plans, psychoeducational workshops, creative activities, peer learning, and group sessions. A trauma-informed and strengths-based approach encouraged professionals to focus not only on vulnerabilities but also on participants’ abilities, resilience, and aspirations. Regular team reflection and continuous monitoring allowed activities to be adapted to the evolving needs of young people throughout the pilot.
The pilot confirmed that creating a safe space is about much more than providing a physical location. It is about building trust, encouraging participation, and empowering young people to grow.
Participants became more engaged in activities, developed stronger peer relationships, and gained confidence to express themselves and plan for the future. At the same time, the methodology strengthened professional practice by promoting teamwork, reflective learning, and more structured, coordinated support.
« The SafeSpaces methodology gave our team a practical framework that helped us respond more effectively to the needs of young migrants and refugees while remaining flexible enough to adapt to every individual. Most importantly, we witnessed how trust gradually transformed into participation, confidence, and genuine engagement. That has been one of the most valuable outcomes for both the young people and our team, » says Shadi Mahmud, Chair of Follow Me Association.
Marina Atanasova, volunteer psychologist at Follow Me Association, adds: « What impressed me most was how the methodology encouraged us to focus on each young person’s strengths and potential. Creating a space where they felt heard and accepted made a visible difference in their confidence and willingness to participate. It also provided us with practical tools while reminding us that trust is the foundation of every meaningful intervention. »
The Bulgarian pilot demonstrated that the SafeSpaces methodology is an effective framework for creating inclusive and supportive environments for vulnerable young people. By combining safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, individual planning, and participatory activities, the methodology strengthened both professional capacity and participants’ wellbeing. The experience of Follow Me Association shows that safe spaces are not simply places – they are communities built on trust, collaboration, and opportunities that enable every young person to thrive.
