Staff training to make parks safer for women and girls

Campaigners say many women avoid parks, especially after dark, due to safety concerns. The free training, developed by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and the University of Leeds, gives practical tools for responding to inappropriate comments, gestures, cat calling, or unwanted touching — behaviours that can make parks feel unsafe, especially after dark. 

Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “The idea is simple: we want more people to feel confident being active bystanders and feeling able to help without putting themselves at risk.  

“This training is vital because everyone deserves to feel safe in our parks. It’s a small action that can make a big difference.” 

Staff directly employed by Wandsworth Council are already taking part. Our partners from enable and Krinkels will also roll out the training to their staff, who are most often on the ground in our parks, open spaces and commons. 

The training is being rolled out nationally through the Green Flag Award network and is open to the public too, not just council or parks staff.  

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which works to reduce violence and harassment, says many people want to help but don’t know how to do so safely. This training gives practical tools to intervene, whether that’s by distraction, offering support, or helping someone report what happened. 

Find out more or take the training on the Suzy Lamplugh website.

Wandsworth Council has doubled its investment in tackling violence against women and girls and also offers free bystander training. The training is suitable for individuals, local organisations, and community groups. Find out more on our website.