Prop Up Project: A Safe Space for Young People

SAFE needs your support to run the Prop Up Project in Lancaster, offering drama, art and craft sessions to help young people experiencing difficulties with their mental health to improve ways to cope.

£1,839
Raised of £3,966

22
Backers

27
days left

46%

Back this project

This project has received a pledge from one of our funding partners. This pledge will only be released if the project reaches its fundraising target.

and

Costs

Venue Hire £2,200
Volunteer Expenses £600
Session Resources £200
Office Cost £200
Group Bus Travel & trips £155
Marketing & Communications £100
Refreshments £100
Target: (inc. fees) £3,966

Supportive Approachable Friendly Environment (SAFE) is a local charity (1203674) supporting young people and adults across the Lancaster district who face mental health challenges, social anxiety, or barriers to everyday life. Since 2018 (formally registering as charity in 2023), we’ve created small, friendly, participant-led groups where people can connect, grow confidence, and rebuild their wellbeing at their own pace.

Our mission is to empower people to create positive futures they are at the centre of. With lived experience guiding our model, we help individuals build the skills, resilience, and confidence to thrive independently and feel empowered to keep moving forward.

We run three core programmes:

Prop Up (ages 13–19): Free, weekly 2-hour creative wellbeing sessions in Morecambe, Lancaster, and Carnforth.
Prop Up Young Adults (ages 20–25): Free monthly sessions in Morecambe.
Socialease (18+): Free weekly adult drop-in sessions in Morecambe and Lancaster.

Our groups stay small (10–12 people) to reduce overwhelm and make social spaces feel safe. We use gentle tools, like table choice cards, and time out spaces to help people slowly build confidence with interaction at their own pace. Our sessions use creative (drama & art) & wellbeing activities to support building connections with others and creating their own personalised wellbeing toolkits to improve coping skills.

SAFE is free and easy to access, offering timely support that helps people stay well and avoid crisis. We work closely with NHS mental health services and fill the gap between clinical support and community connection, staying with people for as long as they need us sometimes over years.

Project Owner: Supportive Approachable Friendly Environment (SAFE) The Project Owner takes legal responsibility for receiving and spending the funds raised and ensuring the project is delivered.