Anglican Church Creates 'Safe Space' for Struggling Chinese Youth in Melbourne
Holy Name Anglican Church in Vermont, Melbourne, has established a 'Safe Space' for youth in the local Chinese community. Funded by the Melbourne Anglican Foundation's youth grants, this initiative offers free food and mentoring, fostering connections and support among young people who often face challenges at school and within their families.
The Safe Space project was launched by Rev. Grace Wang and Ping Luo, a parishioner and counselor, to tackle young people's disconnection from their families and education. Initially, the youth were hesitant and withdrawn, struggling to make eye contact. However, they have since shown significant improvement in their demeanor.
Many of these young people were school refusers or faced learning difficulties exacerbated by language gaps. They found it challenging to make new friends at school and often felt isolated, experiencing anxiety as a result. The Safe Space has provided a sanctuary where they can connect with others of similar backgrounds, share their stories, and build social connections.
Rev. Wang stresses the importance of offering vulnerable young people a safe environment to build trusted relationships and share their lives. The Melbourne Anglican Foundation's funding has enabled this initiative to provide food and mentoring at no cost, supporting the young people as they navigate their challenges and build a supportive community.
