Website launches to improve city centre safety

The new site www.safespacenotts.com is an important step forward in our city-wide commitment to making Nottingham a friendlier and safer place for everyone.

The new website, aimed at improving community safety and tackling violence against women and girls, will –

• Improve visibility of accredited Safe Spaces
• Support public awareness and empowerment
• Enhance community safety
• Enable access to specialist resources and training
• Strengthen collaboration

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, delivered by our dedicated city centre venues, and backed by It’s in Nottingham and partners, are part of our commitment that nobody should feel vulnerable in our city.

“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 everyone a safe and enjoyable experience.”

About the Safe Space Pledge

Created by It’s in Nottingham and the Consent Coalition, and supported by the Nottinghamshire Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire Police, 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 - think of it as a little badge that says, “You’re welcome here, and we’ve got your back.” Staff in these spaces are trained to listen, offer reassurance, and guide anyone to further help if they need it. The pledge isn’t about creating fuss or formality – it’s about ensuring there are plenty of approachable, trustworthy places across the city where people know they can step inside and feel safe.