The Diocese is proud to announce the release of the Youth Echo: Safe Spaces Through Young Eyes report
The report is a thought-provoking collection of insights from 108 young people aged 9–18, gathered through Youth Echo listening groups across the region.
The theme of ‘Safe Spaces’ was chosen collaboratively by two youth steering groups, who identified it as a vital starting point for this youth voice initiative. Using the Youth Echo Facilitator Guide, chaplains, youth workers, and teachers led meaningful conversations with young people, exploring what safety means to them in their everyday lives and within the church. You can read the full report by clicking the link at the bottom of this article.
Youth Echo listening groups were held across the diocese, involving diverse groups including 31% individuals from Global Majority Heritage backgrounds and 19% children with special educational needs.
Key findings
- Rules can be reassuring
When fair and co-created, boundaries and rules were seen as tools for safety, not control. One young person said that “People do want rules to keep them safe from violence.” - Trusted adults matter
Youth workers, chaplains, and other trusted adults were consistently cited as key to creating safe environments. - Church-based youth groups are valued
Many participants identified church youth groups as among the safest places they frequent. - Acceptance is essential
Young people overwhelmingly ranked acceptance as the most important factor in feeling safe, valuing spaces where they can be themselves without fear of judgment.
Challenging the church to listen and respond
Each section of the report ends with a “So What?”, a question designed to challenge the church to reflect and act. These include:
- What does it practically look like to make young people feel accepted within the church?
- How can the church extend access to safe spaces for young people?
- How do we continue to listen to young people to ensure we don’t make assumptions about their needs?
Young people's responses
A Call to Action
This report is a call to action: To elevate youth voices, embrace their wisdom, and build a church that listens deeply and responds meaningfully.
The Youth Voice team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every young person who shared their voice, and to the facilitators who made these conversations possible. This is a powerful step toward a more inclusive and responsive church community, where the voices of young people are heard, respected and learned from.
If you would like to learn more about Youth Echo and how it’s amplifying youth voices across the diocese, cick the button below to visit the Youth Voice webpage.
If you would like to read the full report, click the button below:
Safe Spaces Through Young Eyes report
If you are interested in facilitating an Echo Focus listening group in your church or community, please email Rachel Newton rachel.newton@bristoldiocese.org