We are helping to make our borough safer for vulnerable people by joining the national Safe Places scheme.

Safe Places can be shops, restaurants, night clubs and other venues that offer vulnerable people a safe place if they feel scared or at risk while out and about and need immediate support.

Working in partnership with Experience Guildford, we are calling on businesses across the borough to become part of Safe Places Guildford, and formally register their premises as a Safe Place.

Cllr Julia McShane, Lead Councillor for Community says:

“Everyone has a right to feel safe in their community. Guildford currently has seven Safe Place locations across the town centre at Guildford Baptist Church, Guildford Library, Holy Trinity Church, St Mary’s Church, Waitrose, Casino Nightclub and the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Businesses who sign up to be a Safe Place will be given support and training to ensure staff members can effectively handle difficult situations.”

Liv Kelly, Project Manager at Experience Guildford, says:

“Safe Places Guildford aims to provide refuge to anyone who feels vulnerable in the town centre and reassure them that help is always nearby.

“Whether open during the day or night, businesses that register will provide support to anyone in need of assistance in Guildford – offering a friendly face, someone to talk to and, where needed, a phone call, whether that’s to a friend, family member, taxi or emergency service.”

Businesses registered as a Safe Place are identified by a window sticker and are listed on the Safe Places website.

If you think your business could offer a suitable Safe Place, and you would like to know more about what is required and how to get started, please email Olivia@experienceguildford.com.

Safe Places Guildford is part of how we are using the £140,000 Welcome Back Fund. The government scheme is providing councils across England with a share of £56 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This is to support the safe return to high streets and help rebuild after the pandemic.