Safe Havens: guidance for venues
Safe Havens are a practical way for businesses and other venues to let people know that a form of support is easily available if they need help. Premises such as shops, cafes, pubs, libraries and other businesses can register to become a recognised Safe Haven site.
We know that businesses want to help and support their local communities. The Safe Haven scheme offers a great way for businesses to contribute towards keeping customers and residents safe in the local area.
How much work is involved
The scheme is designed to be as simple as possible and should not impact significantly on business owners’ or staff time.
There is no cost involved for businesses to join this scheme.
Training
Any venue wanting to become a Safe Haven will be offered a brief training session. At least 1 member of staff needs to be trained, but there is no limit. The session can be delivered online or in person.
A resource pack will be provided on successful completion of the training, which outlines the Safe Haven process and available support services.
If you are unable to help someone
There may be occasions when specialist support is needed. Staff are encouraged to call emergency services, where necessary, for example if a crime has been committed or if someone is injured.
A list of support services will be provided to each Safe Haven if specialist support is required.
Staff in a Safe Haven venue are not expected to be trained specialists or support workers and are encouraged to involve external services where needed.
Background checks and first aid
A suitability checklist is completed by each Safe Haven venue, but CRB/DBS checks and first aid training are not mandatory requirements for venues to become a Safe Haven.
How Safe Havens are advertised
Venues will be provided with a window sticker, posters and other communications materials to promote themselves as a Safe Haven.
View a list of Safe Havens across Wandsworth.
The Safe Haven scheme operates across other London boroughs, all working in partnership with the Safer Business Network.
Register your interest
To become a Safe Haven, you first need to register your interest and complete a Safe Haven suitability checklist.
A small number of Safe Haven venues are being recruited in the first phase, with the aim of expanding the project in subsequent phases.
Once a venue has been selected as suitable, our Community Safety team will reach out to arrange a site visit and a date to deliver a short training session for the team. After these have been completed, venues will become official Safe Haven sites and will be plotted on the interactive WalkSafe map.
If you would like to sign up to become a Safe Haven, register your interest.
Contact
In an emergency always call 999. To report a crime which is not urgent, please call 101. See details of free and confidential support services.
For further information or queries, email communitysafety@wandsworth.gov.uk and mark the email ‘Safe Havens: for attention of VAWG Community Safety Officer’.