Jasmine’s connection with Social Space began just over a year ago, when she and her family moved to the Suffolk area. Jasmine was keen to meet people and make new friends – and that’s exactly what has happened. In fact, some of her friendships have become so strong that her peers stay at Jasmine’s flat when the programme isn’t running, to ensure they can still interaction.
“I don’t believe that there are enough spaces for people my age to go that isn’t just a pub,” Jasmine said. “We need more spaces, more things to do. It doesn’t have to be big; it just needs to be a space.
“We love going to Social Space every Thursday. It’s the one chance to get out of the house and do something that doesn’t involve alcohol.
“We play board games, we cook, I make pancakes for everyone, we put movies on, we chat. It’s about getting out and meeting like-minded people.”
Jenni, a youth worker at Lowestoft’s Colville House, believes it’s “important to give every young person a space where they don’t have to worry about money.”
She continued: “They don’t have to worry about anything else other than being themselves and having fun in a safe environment – we can offer that.”
The pair also spoke about how Social Space has also welcomed a number of LGBTQIA+ people.
Jasmine believes, again, that it’s because of a lack of options and spaces for young LGBTQIA+ people and praised how the Social Space staff make everyone feel welcome.
As for her relationship with Jenni, Jasmine said: “She’s a safe space. She listens to you. She has that positive vibe about and never judges you for anything. Also, she is relaxed and that makes everyone else relaxed.”
Jenni said: “We listen and accept people for who they are.
“We don’t pass judgement, rather we try to understand and say, ‘well I haven’t experienced that, can you tell me a bit more about how that would make someone feel’. Every person you meet has their own unique story.”
Social Space currently runs at Colville House in Lowestoft on Thursdays from 5pm – 8pm. Find out more about Social Space here.
