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Neighbourhood officers in Tunbridge Wells are working alongside a new initiative encouraging businesses to offer temporary refuge to women and girls who may feel unsafe.
The Safe Havens project will see shops, pubs and restaurants display signs in their windows to help and welcome people in a time of crisis or concern.
The initiative is being managed by the organisation #TogetherAsAllies and aims to provide ‘moments of calm, reassurance, or connection’, with assistance including simple gestures like helping to call a trusted friend or taxi and allowing visitors to charge their phone.
It was launched on 9 May 2025 and so far more than 150 businesses in the town centre have been invited to join.
Those who participate will be offered specialist training by #TogetherAsAllies including on how to signpost visitors who may require specialist support services.
Tunbridge Wells Chief Inspector Mark Stubberfield said:
‘Initiatives like this build on the significant work already taking place to ensure women and girls are not only safe but feel safe, as they go about their daily lives. 'Our policing model is focussed around vulnerable people and I would urge owners and managers of shops, bars and cafes in Tunbridge Wells to consider participating in this project. 'Any help, no matter how big or small, can make a huge difference to someone who is in distress and may simply need a friendly face or somewhere to sit down for five minutes.’
To register your interest in the Safe Haven network click on the online form.