We are delighted that the Women’s Night Safe Space bus initiative has received additional funding to keep women safe in Leeds City Centre.
Launched in November 2022 by Women Friendly Leeds in partnership with Safer Streets, the Women’s Night Safe Space bus provides a non-judgemental place for women to seek refuge and assistance.
The initiative has supported more than 1006 women, prevented 49 admissions to A&E, helped 39 women to make reports to the police, ensured 284 women get home safely, and found 43 women who were missing and alone. In October 2023, Women’s Night Safe Space was awarded the BACIL (Business Against Crime in Leeds) Outstanding Contribution to Female Safety (Night-Time) award.
Despite its success, a lack of funding meant the award-winning provision was at risk of closure earlier this year. However, a public campaign for donations and multiple appeals to local MPs and chancellors has seen the bus reinstated.
Gough & Kelly team members Jennie Bell and Hope Anderson have worked at the mobile unit since its inception to provide security services, ensuring the physical safety of everyone on the bus.
Jennie says, “It is a privilege to work as part of the Safe Bus team and to witness the amazing and essential support it has provided for the women of Leeds. It is such a relief that the provision can continue.”
“The team provides safety guidance, medical assistance, free phone charging, support with ordering taxis, a safe place to report incidents to the police, and help to signpost for longer-term support – an invaluable service.”
- You can make a donation to support Women’s Night Safe Space by visiting our JustGiving page here.
- You can raise the issue with your local MP or Councillor, Women Friendly Leeds has created a template letter of support you can download from the Women Friendly Leeds website here.
- You can support the movement to save Women’s Night Safe Space by following and sharing social media content via Women Friendly Leeds: (Instagram, X, Facebook)