Place case study

Project Summary

Safe Havens provide trusted, temporary places of safety for anyone who feels at risk or in need of support while out in the community. Staff across participating venues have received dedicated training to offer reassurance, practical help and a calm space whenever it’s needed.

To strengthen visibility and accessibility, the borough has partnered with WalkSafe+, enabling residents to locate Safe Havens directly through the personal safety app. The platform also offers additional features — including an SOS alert and journey-sharing — helping people feel more confident and supported as they move around the borough.

Key Activities

Training and Accreditation of Safe Haven Venues

Delivering specialist training for staff across participating venues to ensure they can provide calm, practical, and trauma-informed support to anyone seeking temporary safety.

Establishing a Borough-Wide Safe Haven Network

Coordinating with local businesses, community organisations, and public spaces to create a visible, reliable network of Safe Havens accessible across the borough.

Integrating Safe Havens into the WalkSafe+ App

Partnering with WalkSafe+ to map all Safe Haven locations on the personal safety app, enhancing visibility and enabling residents to access additional safety features such as SOS alerts and journey-sharing.

Impact and Outcomes

Increased visibility and accessibility of immediate support:

Residents are now able to quickly identify nearby Safe Havens through the WalkSafe+ app, improving confidence and access to help when feeling unsafe or vulnerable in the community.

Strengthened community safety infrastructure:

A coordinated network of trained venues has created a more supportive local environment, offering consistent, reliable spaces where people can seek reassurance, assistance, or temporary refuge.

Enhanced feelings of safety and trust among residents:

The combination of trained staff, visible Safe Haven locations, and digital safety tools has contributed to greater feelings of security, particularly for those who may feel isolated, at risk, or unsure where to turn.