Safe spaces for anyone seeking refuge now available in West Bridgford
Last updated: 13/8/2024
A project to enhance safety for those who may suffer from fear or vulnerability from others has now created safe spaces in retail and hospitality premises in West Bridgford for anyone seeking refuge.
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC), Nottinghamshire Police and West Bridgford Shop Watch are working with local businesses in the town to deliver the scheme, also known as Operation PORTUM, to collectively increase safe spaces in the area.
It follows a national initiative for the retail community to create safer spaces for their employees, customers and people in the community that feel vulnerable and under potential threat from other’s actions.
The larger Co-op on Bridgford Road in the town is a leading example of a business which is now recognised as a safe space for anyone seeking help.
People who feel unsafe can notify a Co-op staff member and wait inside the store for as long as they feel comfortable and wait for a taxi, bus or to be collected by a family member or friend that they have called.
The store also has a room and telephone available for anyone who needs to make a phone call to a support service with contact details available.
Other participating businesses in West Bridgford include:
- Co-op, Trent Boulevard NG2 5BN
- West Bridgford Library, Bridgford Road NG2 6AT
- Marks & Spencer, Albert Road NG2 5GS
- Boots, Central Avenue NG2 5GR
- JoJo Maman Bébé, Tudor Square NG2 6BT
- White Rose, Tudor Square NG2 6BT
Further businesses are currently signing up to the scheme and will have a safe spaces poster in their window display.
This follows the work for the Ask for Angela campaign that is progressing in bars and restaurants in the town, helping keep women and men safe and means anyone on a date which isn't going as planned or is feeling unsafe and in danger can use the codeword Angela to ask for help.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “We’re pleased to support this national scheme helping to spread safe places throughout our retail and hospitality premises in West Bridgford and across the Borough.
“The scheme is primarily focused on the safety of women and girls and offers a safe space for anyone seeking refuge from fear or vulnerability.
“As well as offering a safe place for anyone to wait in, many stores also offer additional support, making available a room and telephone so that domestic abuse services can be contacted, confidentially and safely.
“This builds on our partnership work with Nottinghamshire Police to help build a network of safe spaces to support our local communities.
“We thank all businesses for participating in this vital scheme to help further protect our community. It’s open to all businesses and to sign up to the scheme, please email our Community Safety Project Officer Judith Brown at jbrown@rushcliffe.gov.uk.”
