Safety of our residents and visitors is a top priority in Chelmsford, and we are very proud of the work that many organisations and businesses do to ensure our city is safe.

We are passionate about changing the culture around the safety of women and believe that this is everybody’s responsibility. Alongside our business Charter, detailed below, we have partnered with Karen Whybro and Chelmsford City Council to create the campaign Women’s Safety in Our City.

Nationally there is still a long way to go before women feel and are safe but as a city, we are proactive in taking steps to change the culture around women’s safety on our streets and want to challenge every person with the question ‘What Part Do You Play?’

WHAT PART DO YOU PLAY?

Chelmsford For You, Karen Whybro and Chelmsford City Council have worked together to deliver a Women’s Safety Charter that we actively encourage every single business in the city to sign up to. In doing so, they are committing to becoming a Safe Space for any woman in a situation where they feel unsafe. Signage showing that they are a Safe Space will be made visible within their business. A dedicated member of staff (minimum 1), will receive training in how to deal with situations in which a woman may enter the space and need support with no judgement. Businesses signing up to the Charter commit to ensuring that Women’s Safety is a top priority.

If you are a Chelmsford business and wish to sign up to the Women’s Safety Charter, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

WHAT WE’RE DOING

There are many things in place in Chelmsford already to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. Chelmsford has a Purple Flag status which is an accreditation based on meeting or surpassing the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night time economy. Chelmsford For You BID funds DISC software for our Pubwatch businesses, allowing them to securely communicate and share information about any known offenders or antisocial behaviour, therefore limiting opportunity for potential offences. Nightlife crews have also been funded in partnership with Essex Police to support venues across the city, where trained undercover teams are present to spot and stop any antisocial/predatory behaviour, and look out for any individuals who may appear more vulnerable.

We work closely with Open Road to support the SOS Bus which is in our city on weekend evenings, supporting those in need.

All of our bars and clubs operate the Ask Angela Scheme for anybody who needs help on a night out.