On Friday 9th May, I attended the launch of a fantastic new project ‘Safe Havens'. 

As part of my role as a Child Centred Police Officer, I talk to hundreds of young people about personal safety, the importance of being an Active Bystander, Violence Against Women and Girls and boys being good Allies, so this new project is right up my street!!

A ‘Safe Haven’ is a local business or venue - like a shop, pharmacy, library or cafe, that offers ‘temporary refuge’ to anyone feeling unsafe, vulnerable, or in distress.

It is not a place of intervention, but a signposted, supportive space where trained staff offer reassurance, basic support, and help to move forward. This might be just a friendly face and a calm space to sit, a phone charger of Wi-Fi to get you up and running, or just help contacting a friend or emergency services. 

Businesses should sign up… support the community!  Our Projects | #TogetherAsAllies

Well done to everyone, most importantly Laura TOOP for making this happen :-)

Lovely to see Safe Havens being publicised on BBC South East and Kent Online yesterday!