The Safe Space Scheme is a partnership coordinated initiative to provide a refuge to any person who needs help in the time of distress. The project is funded and supported by Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office.
If you need a safe space to calm and put your thoughts together, look out for the Safe Space Sticker in the windows of Gravesham’s public spaces. Staff in these premises are specifically trained to help in these situations, such as if you are fleeing from domestic abuse, someone is following you or an incident has taken place in the street which has left you feeling unsafe.
Upon arrival, if you say to staff 'I need a safe space' they will be able to assist you. You will also receive a leaflet with 24/7 help available.
Businesses are only able to help during their opening hours, so it is vital for the scheme to have plenty of options available during different times of day. You can find a list of enrolled business below and also how to sign up to the scheme.
If you have any feedback about the support you receive through this scheme, please email community.safetyunit@gravesham.gov.uk and talk about your experience.
Safe space locations
Premises with step-free access:
- B&M - 2-4 New Road, DA11 0AA
- City Praise, The Maltings, 9-11 Lower Higham Road, Chalk, DA12 2LY
- Civic Centre - Windmill Street, DA12 1AU
- For Girlys - 19 Stone Street, DA11 0NH
- McDonald's, 85-87 New Road, DA11 0AF
- Mug and Meeple - Town Pier Square, DA11 0BJ
- Munns - 8-9 Windmill Street, DA12 1AE
- Sanctuary - Longferry Court, The Terrace, DA12 2DF
- Savers - 16-17 St Georges Square, DA11 0TB
- Sports Direct, Kempthorne Street, St George's Shopping Centre, DA11 0TA
- St George's Shopping Centre - Bath Street, DA11 0TA
- Thamesgate Shopping centre - 4 Thamesgate Shopping Centre, DA11 0AU
- The Iron Pier, Unit 6 & 7, May Avenue Industrial Estate, May Avenue, DA11 8RU
- TJ's - 15 Milton Road, DA12 2RF (Disabled access via side gate)
- Toxic Angel - 54 High Street, DA11 0AY (No step access, ramp available on request)
- Wickes - Stuart Road, DA11 0BZ
Other Premises:
- Bennett and Brown - 21-24 Windmill Street, DA12 1AS
- For Girlys - 19 Stone Street, DA11 0NH
- Post and packing - 17 Windmill Street, DA12 1AS
- The Conservative Club, 2 Perry St, DA11 8QU
- The Grand, 1-4 Wilfred Street, DA12 2HU
- The Somerset Arms - 9-10 Darnley Road, DA11 0RU
24/7 support services
- Kent Police/Ambulance - in an emergency call 999, to report anything else call 101
- Domestic and sexual abuse helpline (phone 0808 802 1414)
- Drug advice (phone 0300123 6600 or text 82 111)
- Samaritans (phone:116 123)
- The Kent and Medway urgent mental health helpline (phone 0800 783 9111)
- Crimestoppers (phone 0800 555 1111)
Find other support services in Gravesham
Sign up to be a safe space
Businesses in Gravesham, whether in the town centre or somewhere else in the borough, are able to sign up to the scheme. If you would like to sign up, please contact us by emailing community.safetyunit@gravesham.gov.uk or by phoning 01474 337328.