A ‘Safe Space Sussex’ app was launched last week to help people should they feel unsafe outside of their home. It has been developed following detailed consultation with partners and public regarding the safety of women and girls in Sussex.
On first downloading the app, users will be asked to enter their own name and phone number as well as a preferred contact. They will then be directed to a map showing their location and a number of red pins indicating Safe Spaces near them. Tapping on a Safe Space will show opening times and the option to see directions from their current location.
When they arrive at a Safe Space they can identify themselves to staff who will be able to offer them somewhere to wait and offer to call 999, 101 or a contact of their choice.
If the user wishes to share their location using the app, they can do so using the alert button which will allow them to send a text containing their location (both the address and the what3words) to their named contact.
Over 250 businesses across the county have already signed up their premises as Safe Spaces and their staff have been offered basic training on what to do if someone comes in asking for help.
Stickers and posters will help to identify locations registered with the scheme as Safe Spaces and posters will also be displayed in staff areas to remind employees about the scheme and what to do if they are approached about it.
The App also has the option for recording surroundings with both camera and sound and the footage is stored securely within the app should this be needed as well as links to the SafeSpaceSussex online directory of support services for further help and advice.
See the promotional video here: Safe Space Sussex app – YouTube
We will also be looking for people who have downloaded the app and would like to take part in a research project with Sussex University on the impact of the App. If you are interested in this please let us know: Commissioning@sussex-pcc.gov.uk.
The app can be downloaded using this QR code:
