The Safe Space Pledge is a city-wide commitment to making Nottingham a friendlier, safer place for everyone enjoying the city’s day-time and night-time offerings...
Created by It’s in Nottingham – the city’s Business Improvement District (BID) and the Consent Coalition, the pledge was shaped through extensive consultation with local women’s groups and specialists working in Nottingham’s sexual violence and domestic abuse sector.
These conversations brought forward the real experiences and voices of women who shared their perspectives on safety in the city, highlighting what needed to improve. A public survey then broadened the picture, offering insights into women’s experiences in Nottingham’s night-time economy and what could help them feel even more confident when out and about.
The message came through loud and clear: Nottingham needed more awareness around consent, more trained staff, and more safe, welcoming spaces people could rely on. Using this research, the Safe Space Pledge was developed to empower venues – large or small, licensed or unlicensed – that support positive experiences and ensure everyone feels comfortable.
To join the pledge, venues commit to eight key actions. These include providing properly trained staff, offering a clearly designated safe space, responding seriously to reports of harassment, and generally doing their part to make Nottingham a place where everyone feels confident and supported. Over 65 businesses have earned their Safe Space accreditation, from cosy cafés and bustling pubs to restaurants, shops and late-night hotspots.
Each participating venue displays a bright, recognisable Safe Space Pledge sticker. Think of it as a friendly little badge that says, “You’re welcome here, and we’ve got your back.” Staff in these spaces are trained to listen, offer reassurance, and guide anyone to further help if they need it. The pledge isn’t about creating fuss or formality – it’s about ensuring there are plenty of approachable, trustworthy places across the city where people know they can step inside and feel safe.
Overall, the Safe Space Pledge shows Nottingham’s ongoing effort to create a supportive, respectful, and welcoming environment for residents, workers, and visitors alike. It’s a meaningful initiative with a warm, human touch – helping make every trip into the city centre a little brighter and more reassuring.
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