Last updated by Stephanie Rosser on Wednesday, June 18, 2025

The Essex Youth Map shows young people where there are clubs, groups and services in the local area where they live. Helping young people discover these safe spaces can build stronger communities and reduce vulnerability. There are currently over 7000 groups/activities in Essex, with over 290,000 places for young people to join in.

To raise awareness, Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit (VVU) are launching a new hashtag #ConnectBelongStaySafe aimed at encouraging young people to find safe, supportive spaces where they can thrive.

Essex VVU are encouraging people to:

📸 Take a photo with the Essex Youth Map (you can get a picture from this link - get creative - pets, posters, people, places!)

📲 Post your support on your social media using the hashtag #ConnectBelongStaySafe

🏷️ Tag the Essex VVU @essexvvu Instagram and Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit on Facebook and help us amplify the message

🔗 Encourage young people to explore the map and find their place to connect and belong

Whether you’re a youth group, school, community organisation, local business or simply a supporter of great youth work, your voice matters. Together, we can create a safer, more connected Essex for everyone.