‘Safe Spaces’ is a collaborative photography project and exhibition that documents the improvised sanctuaries neurodiverse children create.
Under beds, in cupboards, or up trees, these spaces enable those hiding to escape and recover from the experiences of navigating a neurotypical world, often after a difficult school day.
Photographer Caroline Clark has worked with children, young people and their families to record their safe spaces, often putting the camera in their hands too.
What you see in this exhibition is part of an ongoing and expansive project allowing a glimpse into the everyday lives of neurodivergent young people, aiming to amass a powerful collection of ‘safe spaces’.
Inspired by her son’s habit of retreating to toilet cubicles for extended periods when he felt overwhelmed, Caroline Clark started the project. “Conversations with other parents of neurodiverse children revealed that many of their children also sought out small, enclosed places to retreat to, such as under blankets or in cupboards. These were not just play spaces but areas of calm and control, often after a challenging day at school.”
As part of Caroline’s studies at Falmouth University, and under the guidance of her tutor, Laura Hynd, the project developed into an inquiry into how autistic children create and use these spaces. Local parent networks have been incredibly supportive to the project, with many parents kindly allowing Caroline to photograph in their homes. “Others sent heartbreaking photographs, often taken as evidence to try to get the help their children need at school.” Caroline says.
When author and illustrator, Eliza Fricker shared the project online, many more families came forward, offering their own experiences and photographs. Caroline Clark says; “I’m tremendously grateful to all the parents who have allowed me to take photographs in their homes or entrusted me with their own photographs and feel a responsibility to make these unseen struggles visible.”
The exhibition is presented at ORTUS in Denmark Hill with Bethlem Gallery and is funded by Maudsley Charity.
Georgina Chatfield, Programme Lead – Children and Young People at Maudsley Charity says;
“We’re really pleased to host the Safe Space exhibition at Ortus. We know that neurodivergent children struggle with their mental health in a world that misunderstands their needs. That’s why we’ve invested significant funds into projects that bring together the best clinical practice, research, and community-based interventions, with young people’s voices at their heart – including the new Pears Maudsley Centre next door to Ortus.”
Safe Spaces Project Participant – Iris’s Mum said:
“I’m so glad that you’re doing a project to show this! It’s been important for me to see other people sharing similar photographs as initially I felt like our child was the only one struggling, but to see other children as well… thank you for making us feel less alone.
I’m… so grateful to you for shining a spotlight on our darkest times.”
Photographer Caroline Clark says;
“Raising a child with a neurodisability can be deeply rewarding but also extraordinarily demanding. Parents often find themselves in a constant struggle to secure appropriate education and support, facing systems that are rarely designed with their children in mind. What should be a collaborative process can become a lengthy and exhausting battle for basic rights.
For some families, the lack of suitable provision means leaving work to home-school, not by choice but out of necessity. Schools too are often under-resourced and not equipped to meet complex needs. The love parents have for their children is profound, yet the responsibility can feel overwhelming and isolating.
The safe spaces in this exhibition are a visible manifestation of the emotional toll of these daily challenges.”
ORTUS Conferencing and Events Venue, 82-96 Grove Lane, SE5 8SN
Dates: 1 April – 10 August 2026
Opening Hours: 8am-5pm, Monday to Friday
Exhibition webpage: https://bethlemgallery.com/whats-on/exhibition-safe-spaces/
