New Child-Friendly Justice Spaces Unveiled At Newport Police Station

A major project to transform how young people experience the justice system on the Isle of Wight has reached a new milestone, with redesigned rooms at Newport Police Station now complete.

The changes form part of the Isle of Wight Council’s Youth Justice Service “Child First Spaces” initiative, which aims to make traditionally intimidating environments feel calmer, safer and more supportive for children.

The newly designed spaces have been created with direct input from young people, who worked alongside local artist Laura Hathaway through Artswork’s Young Cultural Changemakers programme.

The initiative encourages children to help shape their communities through creativity.

Through workshops, young people helped design the rooms to reduce anxiety and create an environment where more positive and constructive conversations can take place.

Youth Justice Service lead Ruth Hayles described the project as a “significant milestone”.

She said:

“Children have told us that traditional justice spaces can feel frightening and overwhelming.

"By redesigning these rooms with them, not just for them, we’re showing that their voices matter.”

The Newport project is the latest in a series of transformations across the Island.

Similar child-focused improvements have already been made at County Hall and the Isle of Wight Youth Court.

At County Hall, a meeting room has been redesigned into a calming space to support restorative justice work, helping both victims and young people feel comfortable enough to speak openly.

Meanwhile, the Youth Court office has been updated to create a warmer, less clinical environment for families.

One of the most striking changes has been the transformation of a previously stark court cell, now featuring murals designed by young people, inspired by nature and space.

Staff say the impact has been clear, with improved engagement and a noticeably calmer atmosphere during meetings.

Councillor Karen Lucioni said the project highlights the importance of listening to young people.

She said:

“Creating spaces that feel calm, safe and respectful is essential if we want children to engage positively with the justice system.

"I’m incredibly proud of the creativity and collaboration that has gone into these new rooms.”

With work at Newport Police Station now complete, there are plans to expand the Child First Spaces model further across the Island.

New projects are already underway, including a youth-led mural at Sandown Station, as part of a wider vision to create welcoming, community-focused spaces.