Written by Candi Turner, Policy Specialist at Manchester City Council (March 2025)

In March 2021, Manchester pledged to continue to do everything in its power to build a city free from misogyny and violence against women and girls.  As the city expands and draws more people than ever to enjoy its cultural offering, night life and music scene it is more important than ever that steps are in place so that everyone feels safe but especially women.   

In recent years the tragic and avoidable murders of Sarah Everard, Sabina Nessa and dozens of other women have put a spotlight on what more can be done to address violence against women and girls, and how safety can be improved. 

How are we trying to do this and how can you help? 

In September 2022 Manchester City Council launched the groundbreaking ‘Women’s Night-time Safety Charter’ offering free training and guidance to venues across the city on how to support and promote safety for staff and customers.    

To date, more than 500 businesses have signed up to this charter, pledging to provide support and assistance to anyone at night who needs it, as well as undergoing additional training on how to be an active bystander, recognise potential spiking and empowering staff to spot and act against predatory behaviour before it puts any women at risk to improve safety across the sector.  The Charter is completely free to join and is aimed at businesses who operate in Manchester between 6pm and 6am.  To find out more information and how to be part of this initiative on our website The charter | Women's Night-time Safety Charter | Manchester City Council. 

The night-time economy employs around 30% of the region’s workforce, with many young people relying on work in the sector, but it also has a high turnover of staff.  We hope the Women’s Safety Charter will help staff feel safer and supported which may assist in reducing the high turnover of staff in this sector.  We know businesses are already doing some amazing things to support and keep staff safe when working at night-time and we hope initiatives like the charter will support some excellent work already taking place. 

A safety app for everyone

Another step to help improve safety has been the launch of a safety app WalkSafe+ | WalkSafe+ | Manchester City Council.  This safety app, which is free to download, is an initiative aimed at helping people make safe journeys no matter the time of day.  

The app lets people pick known safe routes through the city, as well as allowing them to share their location with family or friends, as well as sending an automatic alert out if a person fails to reach their intended destination.  It also helps people find safe spaces if they need help while visiting the city by using the interactive map on the app.    

In an ideal world anyone should be able to go where they want, when they want but until then, it is important we put measures in place to protect and empower our workers, residents and visitors.  The app works across Greater Manchester and is completely free to use. 

Contact for more information

If you would like a social media toolkit, posters, cards or stickers to promote the above initiatives in your businesses or further information contact Candi Turner, Manchester City Council candida.turner@manchester.gov.uk