Section 1 – Introduction: The Lundy Model and Safe Spaces

The Lundy Model of Participation

What do we mean by a ‘safe space’?

A safe library space is:

• Physically safe: clean, accessible, with clear boundaries and rules that safeguard.
• Emotionally safe: free from judgement, bullying, or exclusion.
• Socially safe: welcoming to all identities, abilities, and backgrounds.

It can look different depending on your library and community. Examples might include:

• A youth-only zone where young people can relax without adult supervision (except safeguarding staff).
• SEND-friendly corners with soft furnishings, sensory materials, or reduced noise.
• Open-plan conversation areas with clear signs saying “it’s okay to talk here.”
• Co-created ground rules displayed visibly so all users know the space belongs to young people as well as adults.

Why safe spaces matter in libraries

When children and young people feel safe, they are more likely to:

• Use the library regularly.
• Share their honest views and ideas.
• Take part in volunteering, or co-design events and activities with you.
• Recommend the library to their peers and wider community.

Without safety, participation will not happen. A space that feels unsafe is as inaccessible as a locked door.

Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces

Every young person deserves to feel that the library is for them. A truly safe space isn’t just about preventing harm — it’s about creating an environment of belonging, recognition, and dignity.

Inclusion should never feel like an add-on. For example, SEND corners or sensory spaces are often described as specialist or additional features — but they should be seen as standard practice, not concessions. Every young person benefits from calm, considered environments that support regulation, accessibility, and comfort.

If we call them ‘SEND corners’, it may be to make them recognisable, but it’s worth asking: how does a non-SEND individual feel when they see that label? Does it signal that inclusion is ‘for someone else’? Or could we imagine a space that normalises difference as part of how all young people experience the library?

When spaces are designed with young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, they become more welcoming for everyone. Accessibility, sensory sensitivity, and flexibility aren’t niche considerations; they are the foundations of a universal safe space.

There are many ways to ensure that safe spaces exist in your libraries; one of the ways is by working with young people. This could be through an ambassador program, advisory board or something that works well for your library. Let’s discuss some ways that we could go about it!

Setting Up a Young People’s Ambassador or Advisory Platform

Creating a youth ambassador or advisory platform is a powerful way for libraries to move from consulting young people to working alongside them. Ambassadors can help shape decisions, lead projects, and strengthen relationships between young people, staff, and the wider community.

Step 1: Clarify Purpose and Role

Before you start recruiting, be clear on why you’re setting up the platform. Ask:

1. What decisions or projects will young people influence?
2. How will their input be used and recognised?
3. What does success look like — for young people, the library, and the community?

A clear purpose keeps the group focused and helps young people see the impact of their involvement.

Step 2: Recruit Inclusively

Aim for diversity — not just in age or background, but in experience and confidence. Some young people will already love libraries; others might rarely visit. Both perspectives are valuable.

1. Work with schools, youth clubs, and community groups to reach a broad mix of young people.
2. Make sure the process is accessible – avoid long application forms or formal interviews. Instead, invite a chat, video message, or creative expression.
3. Offer support with travel, refreshments, and recognition (e.g., certificates, volunteering hours, vouchers).

Step 3: Create a Safe and Supportive Space

Set up clear agreements about respect, confidentiality, and safeguarding. Keep the tone informal but consistent — young people need to know what’s expected and that their safety is a priority.

1. Start meetings with check-ins or icebreakers.
2. Ensure adults model openness, reliability, and care.
3. Make it okay to disagree — healthy debate builds trust and critical thinking.

Step 4: Share Power and Build Skills

Give young people genuine ownership where possible. Examples include:

1. Co-designing library events, youth zones, or displays.
2. Helping to develop youth-friendly communications or policies.
3. Acting as ambassadors to welcome other young people into the library.
4. Supporting peer-to-peer engagement, such as surveys, creative workshops, or youth takeovers.

At the same time, invest in skills-building — communication, teamwork, and decision-making — so they feel confident contributing.

Step 5: Feedback, Reflect, Celebrate

Keep the feedback loop open:

1. Show how young people’s ideas have been used — even small wins matter.
2. Reflect together on what’s working and what could be improved.
3. Celebrate contributions publicly through displays, certificates, or local press/social media (with consent).

Recognition reinforces the message that participation is meaningful and valued.

The Realities of Youth Participation

Youth participation isn’t easy. It takes time, patience, and persistence, and sometimes, even after genuine effort, things don’t go as planned. Working alongside young people can feel messy, unpredictable, and emotionally demanding. But when we keep showing up, listening, and creating space for dialogue, trust grows. Over time, that trust becomes the foundation for change – in behaviour, relationships, and how young people see themselves in community spaces.

Real participation is about consistency, not perfection. It’s about keeping an open mind, learning from what doesn’t work, and celebrating the moments that do. When young people see adults who keep believing in their potential, even on the hard days, that’s when participation becomes powerful.