Our Story

Celebrating 25 years of changing lives

1993 – What is Safe New Futures and How It Began?

The journey began with a simple but powerful idea. Former CEO Nigel Hughes, then a Careers Advice Manager, discovered the Get That Job (GTJ) course through his brother-in-law. Deeply concerned about rising unemployment in Southampton, Nigel recognised the potential of this practical approach to help people move back into work. This is how the idea became what Safe New Futures is now.

1996 – Creating a Charity

To deliver the Get That Job course more widely, Nigel established Southampton Action for Employment (SAFE) in August 1996. Therefore, SAFE became the vehicle through which GTJ was delivered to people experiencing long-term unemployment and disadvantage. Thus, creating a mental health and employment charity and free mental health support programmes.

2001 – Formal Incorporation

On 29 March 2001, SAFE was formally incorporated as a registered charity (Charity No. 1088357). This marked a significant step in strengthening governance and long-term sustainability, and officially marked the start of our journey as a mental health charity in Southampton.

2006 – A Turning Point: Mental Health At The Core

As the work developed, it became clear that around 70% of participants were presenting with anxiety, depression and low confidence. In response, Nigel designed a new programme, Choices. Then he commissioned counsellors from Southampton’s Central Hall to develop a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based course. This marked a pivotal shift in the charity’s approach. Focusing on mental health employment support for NEET individuals through CBT mental health programmes.

2007–2009 – Independent Evidence of Impact of Safe New Futures

A three-year research study by the University of Southampton, overseen by Professor Nick Maguire, demonstrated exceptional results. Moreover, the Choices programme delivered an 87% improvement in mental health outcomes, with follow-on research showing that 50% of long-term unemployed participants gained and sustained employment.

2009 – Supporting Young People at SNF

Building on this success, Youth Choices and Schools Choices were developed by SAFE Youth Developer Kim Carey, extending the CBT-based approach to younger people and educational settings.

2015 – Rebuilding and Strengthening

In September 2015, Nina Kelly was appointed to lead the charity during a challenging period. At the time, SAFE faced a £54,000 deficit. Through streamlined processes, improved efficiencies and new funding, Nina returned the organisation to a small surplus by March 2016, laying the foundations for long-term stability.

2017 – A New Identity and National Vision of A Safer Future

In January 2017, trustees and leadership agreed on a new national vision, reflected in the charity’s name change to Safe New Futures. Later that year, Nina became the sole CEO, leading the organisation into its next phase of growth and impact.

2020 – Adapting In A Global Crisis

The COVID-19 lockdown in April 2020 accelerated the charity’s move into online delivery. With new funding, Safe New Futures successfully adapted its programmes, expanding reach and positioning the organisation for wider, potentially national, delivery.

2024 – A New Chapter

After many years at Carlton Crescent, Safe New Futures relocated to the Arena Business Centre in Southampton. This move represented more than a change of address; it marked our commitment to creating a vibrant, supportive environment for staff, volunteers and partners as we continue to grow.

2026 and Beyond – Looking Ahead: National Ambitions

Building on 25 years of learning, impact and evidence, Safe New Futures is preparing for its next phase of growth. In 2026, we will expand delivery into new geographical areas and work towards a national model, enabling us to support more people experiencing poor mental health, unemployment and social isolation across the UK.

By strengthening partnerships, refining our digital and blended delivery, and maintaining the quality and integrity of our CBT-based approach, we aim to reach communities where access to early mental health and employability support is limited. Therefore, reflecting our long-term commitment to sharing what works and ensuring that more people, wherever they live, have the opportunity to build a safe and hopeful new future.