News on Lambeth Safer Streets

Last week, coverage of the Safe Havens launch event was broadcast on BBC London News in their lunchtime and evening bulletins as well as on BBC Radio London, ensuring the message went out to thousands of Londoners. The launch saw the Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Cllr Dr Mahamed Hashi, joining his counterpart in Southwark, Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle to visit two Safe Havens sites along our borough borders.

The team Visited Oasis Hub Waterloo Library and spoke with Susanna Barnes our Head of Libraries, about the support on offer. Women who feel unsafe or have been harassed can get assistance at Safe Haven businesses, which includes staff helping organise safe transport home or calling family, friends, or the police.

Cllr Hashi said: “Women and girls face on-street harassment and abuse regardless of where borough borders start and stop. The safety of women and girls is an issue we must tackle together, and the opening of our Safe Havens is another measure put in place to help support those who may be facing harassment or in need of help.

“The launch of our safe havens follows a programme of practical interventions we have established to deter perpetrators from harassing women and girls, such as dedicated street wardens and increased CCTV. We will continue to work together to prevent problem behaviours and support those affected by harassment and abuse.”

Strong partnership work with our colleagues in Southwark Council and across the Safe Havens ensured the successful launch of the scheme.