Force helps launch new app to enhance personal safety on night out

WalkSafe will help those who live, work or visit Carlisle plan their journeys home and nights out in the safest way, while letting their friends and family know where they are on an online map.

It follows a survey by the force that found personal safety in the night-time economy was “a key worry” for women and girls.

The free app features a map of the city that pinpoints local venues that provide enhanced safety features that may make people feel safer on a night out.

The app also can help people plot a safer route home.

Users can share their live location with trusted contacts and the app will notify friends and family when they get home safe.

It also features an SOS button to alert their contacts immediately if they feel in danger.

The app has the backing of organisations and agencies including Cumberland Council, Armstrong Watson and the University of Cumbria.

It has already been rolled out in 35 towns and cities throughout the UK.

Cumbria Constabulary says the app is for everyone – but is tying in with ongoing efforts to tackle the issue of violence against women and girls.

This follows concerns raised in a survey carried out by the force – and shared by partners – to hear more from women and girls on how they felt about their own personal safety.

“Feeling safe in the night-time economy was raised as a key worry, leading to an extra focus by police, who are working with other agencies on the issue,” the force said.

“This has been factored by officers into the work that usually goes on around Christmas to protect the entire public and help keep them safe during a busy time of the year for parties and nights out.”

Detective Inspector Mike Taylor said: “Carlisle is a safe place to live and enjoy a night out.

“But we are never complacent and this is the latest in a list of ongoing measures we are carrying out with our partners to help make our streets safer and also feel safer for everyone.

“We must stress this app is for everyone – and can be used by men in exactly the same way.

“But we hope this will offer extra reassurance to women and girls due to concerns we have been made aware of.

“We’ve listened to what women and girls have said both to our officers in their everyday engagement and in our survey. One of the concerns raised in the survey was about being a victim of crime in the night-time economy.

“As a result our general policing operation around Christmas this year has had an extra focus on violence against women and girls so we can address these concerns, provide reassurance and catch offenders.

“Whether you’re out in our many pubs, bars or restaurants or you’re simply walking home from work in the dark, WalkSafe is a really handy app to have downloaded to your phone to help you plan a night out or get home in the safest way.

“It can offer you and your loved ones that extra peace of mind when you’re on your night out or journey home.”

Councillor Lisa Brown, Cumberland Council’s Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for Adults and Community Safety, said: “Violence against women and girls is one of the top priorities of the Community Safety Partnership, and we’ll do all we can to combat it and help everyone feel safe in Cumberland.

“This app is an incredible tool in helping people feel less vulnerable, and in offering peace of mind to their friends and family. I hope it is well used, allowing everyone to have a great night out in Carlisle, and get home safely.”

Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson chief executive officer and managing partner, said they were “proud” to be a corporate partner in the launch of the new WalkSafe app.

“This project is testament to our commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive environment within our community,” he said.

“We are excited to see this innovative app being rolled out in Carlisle and we believe it has the power to provide reassurance and peace of mind to those who choose to venture out after dark and enjoy the Carlisle nightlife.

“We are delighted to support Cumbria Constabulary, the University of Cumbria and Cumberland Council with this initiative for the city.”

Gail Howes, head of student services at University of Cumbria, and Daniel Prescott, of the University of Cumbria Students’ Union, said: “It is important to remember that Carlisle and Cumbria are very safe places and the WalkSafe app is another tool for anyone to have, particularly those who may be new to the area and are learning to navigate themselves around it.

“Everyone deserves the right to feel safe when walking in the city and this app with its safety features such as a route planner and SOS button is a good way towards achieving that.”

The app also highlights features such as:

• Venues that operate the Ask for Angela scheme, where people can ask a member of staff for support by “asking for Angela”; and
• On-street support, such as the Safer Streets Welfare Hub in Carlisle city centre.

Emma Kay, WalkSafe Founder, said: “We are thrilled to be launching in partnership with Carlisle on the WalkSafe+ app.

“We know that 63 per cent of women prefer to visit pubs, bars and restaurants that have safety initiatives in place.

“Our national safety map allows users to see exactly where these venues are and plan safer experiences when accessing the night-time economy.

“We’re delighted to be making the world a safer place together with the Cumberland Community Safety Partnership (CSP).”

The scheme is being run through the CSP, a body made up of six statutory partners: Cumberland Council, Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, the probation service, and the two integrated care boards that operate across the area, along with many other non-statutory partners.

The main purpose of the CSP is to work in partnership to reduce crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour, substance misuse, re-offending and other behaviour adversely affecting the local environment.