01 Feb A growing network for women’s safety
Hammersmith BID is working towards a safer environment for women and girls in Hammersmith.
On 1 February, the BID hosted its second ‘Women’s Safety Forum’, attended by Hammersmith Businesses, LBHF, TfL, and Night Time Economy Solutions, a consultancy firm working with Hammersmith & Fulham.
The event followed the inaugural meeting of the forum, which happened in December 2021.
Forum Chair, Elaine Jackson (A+E Networks) gave an opening presentation in which participants shared their key areas of concern for safety in Hammersmith.
Contributions were welcomed from the businesses represented, and topics covered included:
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- What does a safe place feel like.
- Placemaking and public realm improvements, particularly around stations and transport infrastructure.
- How to spot signs of harassment and safe ways to intervene in such situations.
The session also explored areas of best practice for businesses, including:
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- Regularly reviewing harassment policies.
- Talking to new starters about the procedures for reporting complaints and concerns.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council has secured funding to produce an Evening and Night-time Economy Strategy – members of the BID’s forum will receive regular updates about the progress of this project and will be able to feed into it directly.
The forum featured discussions about the impact of physical and visual improvements on personal safety.
To support this discussion, businesses are encouraged to share their thoughts on the BID’s Public Realm Vision here.
Attendees are encouraged to give feedback using this form and email L.Caruso@hammersmithbid.co.uk find out more about joining the Forum.