The Safe Spaces Scheme was developed in 2021 to help those who may find themselves feeling unsafe in Sussex. Safe Spaces Scheme was set up to form a network of locations across the county offering a safe space for people to go to if they feel threatened or at risk of harm. There is currently a total of 195 active Safe Space locations in Sussex (33 in Brighton & Hove, 63 in East Sussex, 99 in West Sussex).
We are looking to increase the number of Safe Spaces across Sussex that are available for people to access and are asking for support and help in accessing local businesses/places that would be willing to sign up.
Whilst we would like as many Safe Spaces as possible, we are specifically interested in increasing Safe Spaces in the following areas:
- That can provide a late-night Safe Spaces for those in need during nighttime economy – but preferably not bars/clubs
- That are suitable to assist vulnerable women, LGBTQ+, religious and other protected groups
- Spaces in Yapton, Billingshurst, Steyning and Wadhurst/Turners Green, as we know these areas have high reported feelings of unsafety, but no safe spaces are currently available
- More Spaces in Hastings, Horsham, Worthing, River Arun and Crawley) as this is where the highest volume of feelings of unsafety have been reported
- More spaces in North Eastbourne, including Ratton, Old Town and Hampden Park as this is where crime has reportedly increased
More information about the scheme and how to sign up to become a safe space can be found in the attached leaflet or on the website: Safe:Space Sussex – Become a Safe Space