City of London Corporation’s historic Guildhall becomes a Safe Haven for women and girls
The Guildhall headquarters of the City of London Corporation has been designated as a ‘Safe Haven’ for women and girls within the Square Mile. Safe Havens, part of a UK network involving businesses and organizations, aim to assist individuals who feel unsafe, harassed, or vulnerable. Trained staff at Guildhall, after undergoing specialized training, offer support by contacting emergency services and providing essential facilities such as water, Wi-Fi, telephones, and toilets.
This accreditation was achieved through collaboration between the City Corporation’s Safer City Partnership and the Safer Business Network, which addresses crime, violence, and antisocial behavior in UK cities. The Guildhall location will be identified to the public through door and window stickers. Information about Safe Havens in the Square Mile is available on the City Corporation’s website and the Safe Havens app for Apple and Android phones.
While the Safe Haven initiative primarily focuses on the safety of women and girls, these havens are open to supporting anyone feeling vulnerable. The Guildhall, centrally located in the Square Mile, is considered an ideal venue for ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the City. The initiative received praise from the Chairman of the City Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Ruby Sayed, who emphasized the commitment to safeguarding women and girls and creating a sense of safety.
The scheme aligns with the City of London Corporation’s dedication to preventing violence against women and girls, as emphasized by the Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, James Thomson. Lady Mayoress, Elisabeth Mainelli, expressed pride in supporting initiatives that promote safety and contribute to creating a City where everyone feels respected and protected.
Beth Nash, Safe Havens Project Lead at Safer Business Network, highlighted the importance of adding Guildhall to the list of safe havens, noting that such locations can play a crucial role in addressing violence against women and girls by providing a place of refuge for those in need.
Guildhall West Wing reception operates 24/7, while the North Wing is open from 8 am to 6 pm. The collaboration involves key figures from Safer Business Network, City of London Corporation, and the Town Clerk and Chief Executive. Additional information, including pictures and lists of Safe Havens, is available for download on the City Corporation’s website.