Safe Space scheme comes to Gloucester as part of Emergency Services Day

• It started in Stroud in response to concerns following a number of misogynistic incidents, now the ‘Safe Space Scheme’ is coming to Gloucester
• The aim is to provide safe and secure places for women to go to if they are being followed or feel under threat in any way
• A number of businesses in the city have already signed-up to the scheme which is being officially launched as part of Emergency Services Day on Saturday (25 Feb)
• Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said, “The Safe Space Scheme offers practical help while at the same time spreading the message that male violence against women and girls is unacceptable”.

A new ‘Safe Space’ scheme, which provides safe and secure places for women to go if they are being followed or feel under threat in any way, will be launched in Gloucester this weekend.

A number of businesses in the city have already signed up to the scheme, which was initially set up in Stroud last year and is now being introduced in the city.

Personal attack alarms will also be given to women and girls in Eastgate Shopping Centre.

The ‘Safe Space Scheme’ launch is part of Emergency Services Day on Saturday when Gloucester’s Kings Square and Eastgate Shopping Centre will partner with Gloucestershire Police and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue to celebrate the blue light services.

Chrissy Lowery, who has been working with Gloucester City Safe to expand the Safe Space scheme into Gloucester, said: “Businesses signing up to the scheme will support anyone who feels threatened, scared or at risk as they can walk into any of the premises which display a Safe Space sticker. You then tell a member of staff that you need a safe space”.

“Once inside, you will be supported by a member of the scheme who will provide you with a safe and discrete way to reach police, friends, family and other resources you may need”.

Chief Superintendent Jane Probert, Head of Local Policing and force lead for Violence and Intimidation Against Women and Girls welcomed the partnership’s initiative that will make more safe spaces available and accessible to support those in need, creating safer communities for all.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, Chris Nelson, said: “I also welcome this initiative and encourage businesses to get involved. My office has supported schemes like this in the past, which signposted vulnerable people to places where they could find help. The Safe Space Scheme offers practical help while at the same time spreading the message that male violence against women and girls is unacceptable”.

From 10am-2pm on Saturday, there will be activities on Kings Square and Eastgate Shopping Centre, designed to support and raise awareness for the emergency services, both locally and nationally.

In King’s Square, the policing team will be offering advice on any police concerns, along with displaying police vehicles, quad bikes and drones. Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service will also be present with a Fire appliance and showcasing SkillZONE, a life skills initiative between themselves and Gloucestershire County Council.

Young Gloucestershire will also be showcasing the fantastic work they do for young people across the County, along with other partners supporting the event too.

Eastgate Centre Manager, Jason Robinson says “We are really looking forward to hosting the Emergency Services day, which will be a day to celebrate our fantastic, local Emergency Service workers and partners.

Gloucester City Safe Manager, Steve Lindsay said “The Door Youth Club from Stroud and Dursley will also be coming over to visit the Knife Angel and have a tour of Gloucester Cathedral and we would like to thank all the volunteers who have supported this trip.

“It is important that visitors to the City get to see this monument”.

“Gloucester BID and City Council have been instrumental in supporting the launch of the Safe Space scheme here in Gloucester. The success in Stroud and feedback on the scheme from businesses and the public has been fantastic and it is great to roll this out in Gloucester supported by our City Safe scheme”.