Ray White Goulburn Partners with “You Can Sit With Me” to Create Safe Spaces for Students

Ray White Goulburn is proud to announce its partnership with ‘You Can Sit With Me (YCSWM)’, an inclusive program aimed at tackling school refusal, bullying, and non-inclusive behaviours within our communities. This initiative, which extends across schools, sporting clubs, and community groups, is dedicated to supporting children by creating safe spaces along their journey to and from school.

As part of this partnership, Ray White offices across Australia, including our very own Goulburn branch, will be recognised as designated safe spaces. This means students can identify our office as a place of refuge, marked by the YCSWM ‘Safe Space’ sticker prominently displayed in our window.

“Our commitment to the community goes beyond real estate,” said the Principal of Ray White Goulburn, Justin Gay. “By participating in the YCSWM ‘Safe Space Scheme,’ we are extending a lifeline to children who may need assistance during their commute to or from school. Whether a child is feeling lost, needs to contact a parent or guardian, or is experiencing harm such as bullying or stalking, they can find safety and support at our office.”

In a situation where a child seeks help, a member of our staff will immediately reach out to their parent, guardian, or school to ensure the child is collected and taken care of.

Sophie Sparks, the Sydney-based founder of You Can Sit With Me, explains the impact of the program: “YCSWM is an evidence-based, peer-led initiative designed to eradicate school refusal, social isolation, bullying, and non-inclusive behaviour. By partnering with Ray White offices, we’re providing students with a network of safe spaces they can rely on during their daily journeys.”

If a student needs assistance, whether it’s due to a lost phone, being lost themselves, or feeling in danger, they can enter a Ray White office displaying the YCSWM safe house sticker. There, they will be greeted by a receptionist, who is trained to ask three simple but crucial questions:

– Are you in danger?
– Are you lost?
– Do you need me to call your parent or carer?

This partnership reflects our deep commitment to the safety and well-being of children in our community. By working together with YCSWM, Ray White Goulburn aims to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all students.

For more information about the You Can Sit With Me initiative and how you can get involved, visit youcansitwithme.org