James wins police honour for work on Safe Spaces

Congratulations to James Orchard, who has been awarded a Local Commanders Special Award for Innovative Collaboration by West Midlands Police.

James, the Council’s Interim Children’s Champion, received the award along with PCSO Share Taylor, for their work leading the Child Friendly Cov Safe Spaces initiative.

Safe Spaces was launched in April last year as a direct response to young people expressing a need for safe places where they could go across the city, should they need support.

Through a ‘You Said, We Did’ approach, James and Share ensured that young people’s voices shaped the project, offering immediate safety, advice and support from trained volunteers in various locations across Coventry. James and Share were recognised at a ceremony on 29 January for the impact that Safe Spaces has made as a recognised model for safeguarding across the West Midlands.

James said: “I am really proud that Safe Spaces has been recognised as a way to support children and young people to be and feel safe across the city, and that we have been able to listen to the voices of young people through Child Friendly Cov to start this initiative in Coventry. 

“It is really exciting that other cities in the West Midlands are now also looking to see if similar initiatives can be set up across the region.”

Cllr Patricia Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We are very proud of Safe Spaces. They are a direct result of talking and listening to young people and finding out what they need. James and the team have done an incredible job of making them a reality and he thoroughly deserves this recognition. Congratulations James!”

Matt Clayton, Strategic Lead for Children in Care, Children with Disabilities, and Care Leavers, added: “Well done James. You have done a great job leading on Safe Spaces with Share. This award recognises an excellent example of partnership working, reflecting the values of Child Friendly Cov and One Coventry, and supporting children and young people to be and feel safe in our city.”

The Safe Spaces project involves the establishment of designated safe havens throughout the city, in partnership with various venues.
Staff at all Safe Space venues undergo specialised training provided by Child Friendly Cov and West Midlands Police to ensure they adhere to safety standards.

Safe Spaces are easily identifiable through window stickers and are equipped with essential amenities such as power banks, chargers, first aid kits, and informational leaflets. Through partnerships with Langar Aid and Tesco, food and hygiene packs are also available at some of these locations.

If you want to find out more about Child Friendly Cov Safe Spaces visit the website: Safe Spaces — Child Friendly Cov