A project to enhance safety for individuals who may feel vulnerable or at risk has been successfully rolled out across retail and hospitality venues in West Bridgford, Bingham and Ruddington.
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 establish a growing network of designated Safe Spaces across the borough.
The initiative forms part of a wider national campaign encouraging businesses to provide secure, supportive environments for customers and members of the public who may feel unsafe or threatened due to the actions or behaviour of others.
RBC’s support also builds on its White Ribbon Accreditation, reinforcing its commitment to ending gender-based violence and challenging behaviours that lead to abuse against women and girls. Through this work, the Council continues to help create a safer, more supportive environment for staff, residents and visitors across the wider Rushcliffe community.
The Co-op on Bridgford Road in West Bridgford is a leading example of a business that is now recognised as a Safe Space for anyone seeking help.
Anyone who feels unsafe can approach a member of staff and remain on the premises until they feel comfortable to leave, whether waiting for transport or for a trusted individual to collect them.
The store also has a private room and telephone available, along with information about relevant support services, for anyone who needs to make a phone call to a support service, with contact details available.
Other participating businesses in West Bridgford include:
Boots, Central Avenue NG2 5GR
Co-op, Bridgford Road NG2 6AP
Co-op, Trent Boulevard NG2 5BN
Co-op, Trent Bridge NG2 6AB
JoJo Maman Bébé, Tudor Square NG2 6BT
Marks & Spencer, Albert Road NG2 5GS
Sainsbury’s, Melton Road NG2 6EP
Save the Children, Gordon Road NG2 5LN
Tesco Express, Compton Acres NG2 7RS
West Bridgford Library, Bridgford Road NG2 6AT
White Rose, Tudor Square NG2 6BT
Participating businesses in Bingham include:
Sarah White Boutique, 28a Market Place, NG13 8AN
Blu Hair Salon, 19 Needham Street, NG13 8AE
No. 16 Restaurant, 16 Market Place, NG13 8AP
Participating businesses in Ruddington include:
Ruddington Parish Council, St Peter’s Rooms NG11 6HD
Ruddington Library, Church Street NG11 6HD
Ruddington Post Office, 4 High Street NG11 6EH
The Honeycomb charity shop, 3 & 5 Church Street NG11 6HA
Philos, 2 High Street NG11 6EH
Perkins Hardware, 8 High Street NG11 6EH
Jules Café & Deli, 24D High Street NG11 6EA
Birds Bakery Ruddington, Unit 2 High Street NG11 6DT
Nottinghamshire Hospice charity shop, 10 High Street NG11 6EH
Further businesses are currently signing up to the scheme and will have a Safe Spaces poster in their window display.
The scheme follows the national Ask for Angela campaign operating in bars and restaurants in the borough and across the country. This initiative enables individuals who feel unsafe, such as those on a date that is not going as planned, to discreetly request assistance using the codeword “Angela”. Participating venues will display the sign.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety, Cllr Rob Inglis, said: “We’re pleased to support the Ask for Angela campaign and Safe Spaces scheme, helping to establish safe places throughout our retail and hospitality premises in West Bridgford and across the borough.
“In line with our White Ribbon Accreditation action plan, Safe Spaces is a positive step to engage with the community and help end violence against women and girls.
“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 initiative strengthens our ongoing partnership work with Nottinghamshire Police to create safer communities, and we thank all participating businesses for their commitment.”
West Bridgford ShopWatch Group Chair Bill Hall added: “Our Co-op on Bridgford Road has been an active member for over ten years. Coordinated by RBC and the Police, the group works collaboratively with partner organisations to reduce and prevent retail crime, with a particular focus on shop theft.
“In recent months, our discussions have expanded to include wider community safety issues, such as anti-social behaviour and the development of Safe Spaces. Like many businesses in West Bridgford, the Co-op is committed to supporting this initiative and is keen to offer our store as a Safe Space for anyone who feels at risk or threatened while out in the community.
“As part of this commitment, we can provide a private room, access to a telephone, and clear signposting to relevant support services for individuals who may need more help. We believe this approach not only strengthens community safety but also enhances public confidence in local businesses.”
By providing a Safe Space, staff are not required to undertake any formal training, nor are they expected to counsel, advise or judge. The facility is simply offered as a place where individuals can stay until they feel safe to leave.
In some cases, there may be a need or desire to contact a support service. Many participating premises can provide access to a private room, a telephone and clear signposting information, enabling individuals to seek help in a safe and confidential environment.
If you feel your premises could offer a Safe Space, please get in touch with RBC’s Community Safety Project Officer, Judith Brown, at jbrown@rushcliffe.gov.uk for more information.