Businesses invited to join Swindon’s safe places network

The UMAY personal safety app has been introduced by the Council following feedback from recent annual resident survey which showed that a high percentage of people feel unsafe when out in Swindon after dark.

Improving how safe residents feel in public spaces, particularly in the evening and at night, is a key priority for Swindon Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and is one of several actions being taken as part of the strategy agreed by the Council’s Cabinet last year.

The app includes journey and route planning tools, interactive maps highlighting safe spaces and access to trained volunteers who can offer reassurance, support and advice when needed. The app is downloadable from app stores.

The Council is one of just two local authorities in the country to utilise the UMAY app, joining Wigan Council.

Initiatives such as the UMAY app and the expansion of designated safe places are aimed at addressing these concerns and helping people feel more confident when travelling around the borough.

So far, 20 safe places have already been identified across the Borough, including local libraries, leisure centres and pubs. The Council is now encouraging more businesses, venues and organisations to join the network and play an active role in supporting community safety.

Businesses signed up as safe spaces provide a visible, welcoming location where people can seek help if they feel unsafe or in need of assistance.

The app also allows users to share their live location with trusted contacts, access general safety advice and anonymously report areas where they feel unsafe. These reports support the Council in identifying and reviewing safety hotspots across the borough.

The Council is working closely with local partners and businesses to successfully implement the rollout of the new app.

Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said, “Everyone has the right to feel safe, especially when enjoying a night out or travelling around Swindon. This app gives residents practical tools to help them feel more secure, but its success relies on the support of our local businesses.

“By becoming a safe place, businesses can make a real difference in their community, offering reassurance and support to anyone who needs it.”

Elly Vitale-Ireland, Director of Sugar Shack Bakery said, “We're proud to be a UMAY safe place because everyone deserves to feel safe and supported, particularly when they're feeling vulnerable.

“As a local family-run cafe, we believe we have a responsibility to look out for our community and this is not just within our walls but also beyond them too. Being part of UMAY means that we can offer reassurance, a safe space and practical help when it's needed most. If our involvement helps even one person feel safer getting home or less alone in a difficult moment then being part of this initiative is absolutely worth it.”

Pauline Vanderquand, President and Co-Founder of UMAY said, “UMAY was born from a very real experience of feeling unsafe in public and not knowing where to turn for help. From the beginning, our mission has been simple: to ensure that no one is ever left alone when facing fear or gender-based violence.

This partnership with Swindon Borough Council is both an honour and a strong signal. Swindon is a town committed to eliminating gender-based violence and we are thrilled that UMAY is now part of their programme. We are proud to support Swindon residents with a practical, reassuring tool and to work hand in hand with local partners to build a safer town for everyone.”

Businesses who wish to become a safe space should contact: SwindonCSP@swindon.gov.uk.