Licensing SAVI, the official police security initiative aimed at improving safety and security in licensed venues, has joined forces with the award-winning safety app WalkSafe.
- Licensing SAVI helps owners of licensed premises provide a safer and more secure environment
- 63% of women prefer to visit safe space venues at night “but don’t know where they are”
- WalkSafe Safety Map shows the locations of these safer space venues
All venues which have completed the Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI) accreditation are now listed on WalkSafe as safer spaces, encouraging a wider number of app users to find venues which have received a National Policing Award for Safety.
The accredited venues appear on the map marked by a Licensing SAVI icon. Visitors to these venues can be assured that staff in these locations are trained to support vulnerable customers, and that measures have been taken to ensure the venue is a safer place to visit.
Licensing SAVI was developed in partnership with the Home Office as a confidential self-assessment tool designed to help the owners and operators of licensed premises provide a safer and more secure environment for their managers, staff, customers and local communities.
The initiative supports all on-license premises types, including pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants, theatres, hotels, arenas, stadiums and more. With venues signing up across England and Wales, those out for a good time are never too far from a safer place to socialise.
The WalkSafe app is a free personal safety app providing safer space information to users on a handy interactive map. Clear icons for different safe space types make the app easy to use and navigate, alongside other useful features such as journey plotting and crime zone information.
To give users a further layer of safety on journeys, the app also includes the following sharing features:
- Safety Map – Helps people see the location of safety accredited venues across the UK, using interactive icons, so they can plan safer nights out.
- HomeSafe - Set a specific place and a specific time, and share your journey plan with loved ones. If you don’t successfully complete your journey, your loved ones are notified. (This feature is non-location sharing).
- Follow Me - Walking the dog? Going for a run? Just wandering? Follow Me allows you to start a journey with no destination in mind. Simply select a length of time to share your location for and select friends to keep you safe then you’re good to go!
- WalkSafe - Going somewhere? WalkSafe journeys differ from HomeSafe by allowing you to share your location with your trusted friends. Your location will update in real-time allowing your loved ones to keep you safe on your journey.
Emma Kay, founder of WalkSafe, said: “We know 63% of women prefer to visit pubs, bars and restaurants that have safe spaces and our map allows them to see exactly where these venues are. Our new WalkSafe safe space icons are designed so that people can plan nights out knowing exactly what safety Initiatives venues offer.”
Mark Morgan, Licensing SAVI, added: “We at Licensing SAVI are delighted to be collaborating with WalkSafe, who share our vision of having safer places. Our accredited venues have demonstrated that they’ve gone above and beyond in terms of operating practices to increase safety, security and reduce vulnerability. As such, it’s only right that we subsequently progress all opportunities to highlight accredited venues to anyone who seeks to enhance their safety by using the WalkSafe app”.
Visit the WalkSafe website to learn more and download the app on the Apple Store or Google Play.
To find out more about Licensing SAVI, including safety information and support resources, visit the website at licensingsavi.com
Have a licensed venue? Find out more about the Licensing SAVI accreditation here.
Emma Kay – Founder of WalkSafe
As a daughter of a met police officer, we had many house rules to help my siblings and I stay safe when out and about.
Nonetheless, unwanted behaviour started when I was 13. I’ve experienced catcalling, following, groping, flashing. These events are scary and unsettling, and stay with you.
As an adult, the working world expanded my perspective to experiences beyond my own.
Years volunteering at a community centre for people in crisis taught me that all women fear the streets at night. Safety is an issue affecting all women from all walks of life. Of course it’s not all men, but it is all women.
My career in childcare highlighted the importance of educating young girls and boys about issues like consent, gender bias and the importance of preventative actions.
However, it was the birth of my daughter two years ago that was my call to action. I didn’t want her growing up in this ‘normal’.
Following a series of family discussions, we founded WalkSafe which has now grown into the UK’s most downloaded personal safety App used by consumers, families, employees , Councils and BID businesses.
We believe WalkSafe technology, combined with our vision of making the world a safer place, can genuinely help save lives.
Emma Kay is media trained and available for interviews and quotes - contact
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