Businesses across Newcastle-under-Lyme are being urged to take part in an all-female night-time walk to champion safer streets for women.
The Reclaim the Night walk will take place in the town centre from 7.30pm on Thursday, 10 April as part of Staffordshire’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) week of action.
Organised in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, YMCA North Staffordshire and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, the event will start from the Women’s Safe Space in the Lancaster Building on the Ironmarket, which offers a secure place for women in need of support every Friday night as part of the Get Home Safe campaign.
Women of all ages, students, business owners and local residents are encouraged to take part in the walk. Free safety devices will also be distributed as part of the initiative.
A range of measures aimed at improving safety in the town, particularly for women, have already been introduced in Newcastle, such as increased CCTV coverage and improved street lighting to make public areas more secure.
Hospitality venues have been given anti-spiking training and free anti-spiking devices, while security measures such as knife wands for venue staff have also been introduced. In addition, night-time businesses have been offered vulnerability training to help them identify and support people who may be at risk.
Charl Pearce, of Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: “No one should have to plan their route home, hold keys between their fingers or feel vulnerable just for being out at night.
“Reclaim the Night is about visibility, empowerment, and ensuring that Newcastle-under-Lyme remains a place where everyone, regardless of gender, can feel safe and welcome. Walking together is both a statement and a demand for continued progress.”
Nicky Twemlow, of YMCA North Staffordshire, added: “YMCA North Staffordshire is delighted to be working with Newcastle-under-Lyme for the Get Home Safe campaign. It is vital we keep raising awareness around this issue and that we continue to create environments and cultures where everybody feels safe on our streets.”
