Salisbury groups are putting plans for a safer Salisbury into action and keeping the 'momentum' after discussions in 2021. 

Salisbury Soroptimists and the Safer and Supportive Salisbury groups held a 'Feeling Safe in Salisbury' conference at The Chapel on November 18 last year, which was attended by 90 people. 

The conference was spurred by concerns expressed, on local and national scales, for women's safety following the murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021.

Since then, a ten-point outline action plan has been developed by the groups, largely based on the feedback from the conference workshops. 

Some of the key aims and initiatives the group proposed are:

  • Making Salisbury a Zero Tolerance City for violence against women and girls
  • Setting up an information hub on female safety with resources and support services, as well as training for bar, security, retail and other public facing staff in Salisbury businesses 
  • A local schools forum on changing behaviours and attitudes
  • A workplace awareness campaign
  • A taxi accreditation scheme with a focus on women and girls 
  • Explore the ‘safety infrastructure’ of streetlighting as part of safer streets and spaces
  • An improved CCTV provision

To deliver their ambitious action plan, each point has a lead individual or organisation in place as part of the Steering Group to monitor the progress, provide support, guidance and advice.

This group held their first session on Monday, January 17.

Following the meeting, Soroptimist and SaSS Vice Chair Liz Batten said: “We are all pleased with how much was achieved on the day of the conference and we plan to maintain the momentum on women’s safety in Salisbury by delivering the action plan. 

"Salisbury is already a safe city but our plans will seek to enhance this further.

"A number of local people have come forward since the event, who were unable to attend on the day, offering to help with the plan going forward.

"We would be delighted to hear from anyone who might be interested in getting involved."

The group can be contacted at: sarumsoropts@gmail.com

READ MORE: 'Now we have a lot of work to do' - Improving women's safety in Salisbury

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