Women who feel scared, harassed, or threatened in Harrow can get help from any of the borough’s Safe Havens.
- A new scheme offers people a free and confidential place for when they need it.
- Staff have been trained to support people feeling vulnerable.
- Harrow’s Fire Stations and Libraries amongst first 14 locations to take part.
Safe Havens offers temporary refuge to people who are at risk, feel vulnerable and unsafe. It’s a sanctuary within the community for people to get help and support for their onward journey.
The scheme, launched by the London Borough of Harrow in partnership with the Safer Business Network, is primarily aimed at women and girls. However, these havens are open to anyone who feels harassed, vulnerable, unsafe or threatened on our streets. These spaces offer people a free and confidential place for when they need it.
Cllr Pritesh Patel, Portfolio Holder for Cleaner Streets & Public Safety, said:
“No one should feel vulnerable or unsafe on our streets. That’s why we are committed to protecting women and girls. We want people to not only be safe but feel safe in Harrow.
“The launch of our Safe Havens initiative is one of many ways we are supporting those who may be facing harassment or in need of help. I’d like to thank those taking part in the scheme and opening their doors to those who will need support. We will continue to put our residents first and listen to their concerns. I encourage everyone to fill in our Safer Spaces Survey so we can take the necessary actions to protect our residents.”
In a first for London, Harrow’s two fire stations, Stanmore Fire Station and Harrow Fire Station, have both joined the scheme.
Simon Horn, Borough Commander for Harrow, said:
“Harrow Borough London Fire Brigade is proud to support the Safe Haven initiative. Working in partnership with this scheme enables us to contribute to the safety of our community, particularly women and girls, who have been identified as needing this support”.
Staff across the 14 locations have undergone bespoke training with the Safer Business Network, a crime reduction agency working with the London Borough of Harrow as part of the Council’s efforts to improve feelings of safety and end violence against women and girls.
The scheme has been introduced after analysing responses from residents to the Council’s Safer Spaces Survey, which allows people to provide feedback on areas where they feel safe or unsafe in the borough.
The locations, which include cafés, Harrow libraries, and more, will welcome individuals requesting help and offer a secure environment until they feel ready to move on. Staff can assist by offering water, electricity or Wi-Fi. It can also be a way for individuals to contact family and friends or be signposted to transport or support services. Staff can also make phone calls to emergency services on behalf of those in need.
Each location will display a sticker on their window confirming it is part of the scheme. You can find out the full list of locations on our Safe Havens webpage.
If you are a business located in Harrow and want to do your part in ensuring women’s safety in public, you can express your interest in becoming a Safe Haven on our survey page.