New Safe Spaces trial dedicated to young people launches in Windsor

A new scheme providing young people with dedicated places to go if they feel unsafe while out has launched in Windsor.

The Safe Spaces initiative, established by the Royal Borough, Achieving for Children and Thames Valley Police is being trialled in the town, and if successful it will be expanded into other areas of the borough.

Safe Spaces are registered charities, businesses and community hubs who staff have been trained on how to respond to young people who need support or help.

There may be a situation where a young person feels intimidated by one of their peers and needs a place to go when they are feeling unsettled.

If a young person comes into a Safe Space and asks for help, staff will offer them a place to sit.

They can also phone someone to help the young person to get home or call the police if needed.

All the spaces have the Safe Spaces logo featured in the front window.

The venues have also been supplied information on how to signpost to the Royal Borough’s Library Service or the council’s Family Hub, if there is any further support required.

In addition to the launch of the trial in Windsor, all libraries in the Royal Borough are designated safe spaces for people of all ages.

The Safe Spaces currently registered include all libraries (including Windsor Library and Dedworth Library), Windsor Leisure Centre, Windsor Family Hub, Imperial Park Café on Imperial Road, Harvester – Windsor Lad on Maidenhead Road, the Thames Hospice shop, Costa Coffee and the Tesco Superstore, all in Dedworth Road.

Councillor Simon Werner, leader of the council and cabinet member for public protection, said: “We’re proud to be trialling the Safe Spaces initiative which will help to give young people in Windsor reassurance, when they are out and about, that they have a network of support available to them.

“We’re excited about this initiative and the buy-in from local businesses, charities and schools we’ve had already, to help support our young people in the community.”

Councillor Amy Tisi, lead member for children's services, education and Windsor, said: “The Safe Spaces initiative has been created in partnership with Achieving for Children and Thames Valley Police, as well as by working with local young people and our Youth Council, who we’d like to thank for their support.

“We’d like to thank the partners which have agreed to become Safe Spaces and we would like to encourage more businesses and community spaces in Windsor to get in touch and sign up.”

Inspector Sukhveer Sokhi, from Windsor and Maidenhead Local Policing Area, said: "We're thrilled to be part of the Safe Spaces initiative, offering young people throughout the town trusted locations, where they can seek assistance, guidance or help.

“A special shout-out goes to our dedicated Police Cadets, whose efforts have been instrumental in rallying local businesses to join the cause as Safe Spaces.

“Thanks to their commitment, young people across Windsor can find support, no matter the circumstance or their situation.

“As we continue this invaluable trial, I eagerly anticipate welcoming more businesses aboard as we remain committed to protecting our communities.”

Materials promoting the scheme have been distributed around Windsor and shared with schools in the area.

As part of the initiative, the Windsor Family Hub will be delivering information to parents on how to help their children to be safe in the community and will be sharing more information in the coming weeks.

To view the full list of registered locations and the interactive map, visit: https://rbwm.afcinfo.org.uk/pages/community-information/safer-spaces-scheme