New partnership website launches to improve city centre safety
Partners in Nottingham have collaborated to launch a brand new website aimed at improving community safety and tackling violence against women and girls.
The new website, www.safespacenotts.com, is an accessible and innovative platform which will make it easier for residents and visitors to find accredited Safe Spaces across Nottingham.
It is an important step forward in the partners’ city-wide commitment to making Nottingham a friendlier and safer place for everyone.
The new website will improve visibility of accredited Safe Spaces, support public awareness and empowerment, enhance community safety enable access to specialist violence against women and girls resources and training, as well as strengthening collaboration.
It has been made possible thanks to funding through the Late-Night Levy, which is managed by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire and the Violence Reduction Partnership, alongside community safety partners including Consent Coalition and It’s in Nottingham.
The Violence Reduction Partnership is Home Office funded and responsible for the strategic leadership and coordination of activity across the City and County to reduce and prevent serious violence using a public health approach. The VRP team is a function of the Nottinghamshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Nottinghamshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, and strategic lead for tackling violence against women and girls, Angela Kandola, said: “The launch of the Safe Space website represents a significant step forward in our shared mission to make Nottingham a city where women and girls not only are safe, but feel safe.
“We know that improving visibility, awareness, and access to trusted support can make a real difference.
“This partnership shows exactly what can be achieved when local organisations come together with a clear purpose.
“By strengthening the network of trained, accredited Safe Spaces across our city centre, we are empowering people to seek help when they need it and ensuring that support is never far away.”
The Safe Space Pledge project has been working to keep women and girls safe in the city for over five years. It was developed and is promoted in collaboration with local women’s groups and specialists working in Nottingham’s sexual violence and domestic abuse sector as part of a promise to make days and nights out in the city feel safer and more welcoming.
Venues of all kinds across Nottingham city centre - cafés, pubs, shops, and more - have signed up to the Safe Space Pledge, making it easy for anyone to find support if they need it.
Featured on the new website in an interactive and simple-to-use map feature, these venues have taken simple but meaningful steps towards creating a more welcoming city centre. More than 65 city centre businesses have already signed up, and have taken part in staff training to be able to offer a safe space for anyone in need.
Each participating venue displays a bright, recognisable Safe Space Pledge sticker – with staff trained to listen, offer reassurance, and guide anyone to further help if they need it.
Alex Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Nottingham Business Improvement District, said: “Nottingham’s leisure economy is one of its strengths and is a big attraction to thousands of visitors, so it’s important that we work hard to make this vibrant scene even safer. Schemes like the Safe Space Pledge are part of our commitment that nobody should feel vulnerable in our city which is where these trained and accessible venues can help.
“We are proud to continue our work with partners to innovate and we know that our investment in this new website will create even more awareness of the Safe Space Pledge, and spread the message that wherever you go in Nottingham city centre, we’re working to give you a great experience.”
Councillor Corall Jenkins, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Waste and Equalities said: “As a city, we are absolutely committed to making Nottingham a place where women and girls feel safe, supported, and respected wherever they are.
The Safe Spaces work has already been crucial in driving that change, giving women confidence that there are trusted venues ready to offer help if they need it.
"The launch of the Safe Space Notts website takes this commitment even further. By bringing all accredited Safe Spaces together on one clear and accessible platform, we’re making safety visible, empowering the public to know exactly where support is available, and strengthening the network of businesses who are stepping up to play their part."