The UK’s leading personal safety app which aims to help people feel safer while they’re out and about is launching in Kirklees. Women and girls wishing to locate safe spaces/zones within the neighbourhood can find them easily on the WalkSafe+ app.
The partnership went live on the 30th of January, with Inspector Vanessa Briggs of the Kirklees Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
“I want to thank businesses across Holmfirth for their very positive response to the Safe Zone initiative.
I welcome the 12 businesses that have signed up so far. They all have clearly visible Safe Zones signage and are easily searchable on WalkSafe. Holmfirth is a town which attracts visitors all year round and whilst we hope that people unfamiliar with the area will never need a safe space at short notice, it is reassuring that they can quickly find them if needed.”
She added: “Safe Zones are places you can go to get help if something happens that makes you feel scared or are in fear of someone or something. They are identified by the Safe Zone logo. Safe Zones and The Walk Safe app form part of our vital work to reduce violence against women and girls. We will continue adding identifiable Safe Zones across our communities to make them easier to spot for those who need them.”
Twelve ‘Safe Zones’ set up in businesses in Holmfirth are now ‘up and running’ on the free WalkSafe app, which also provides users with a suite of digital journey sharing features and an SOS button to support safer nights out. Holmfirth attracts both visitors as well as residents in the area, so the Safe Zone scheme felt a natural choice. Police have welcomed the collaboration and thanked business for the overwhelming support shown for the initiative since its establishment in the town in 2024.
The Safe Zones now visible on WalkSafe + app:
More than 280 Safe Zones operate in Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Mirfield and more and promote themselves with the specially designed Safe Zone sticker. Safe Zones are areas where anybody could step off the street if they feel they are being followed until the risk has passed, or they might wish to charge their phone and call the police, friend or relative. Existing locations include retailers, bars, cafes, sports centres, public buildings, and bus stations.
Emma Kay, founder of WalkSafe, said: “We are thrilled to be launching the WalkSafe + app in partnership with Kirklees. We know 63% of women in the UK prefer to visit pubs, bars and restaurants that have safety initiatives in place. Our safety map allows users to see exactly where all the safety trained venues and initiatives are that have been launched across Kirklees. WalkSafe also has Journey Sharing and SOS features to use with friends – its FREE and easy to use.”
The continuing expansion is also just one of a range of safety initiatives operating in Kirklees District with a focus on protecting women and girls as well as persons who may be particularly vulnerable.
WalkSafe can be downloaded via the Apple AppStore on GooglePlay.
