What is a Safe Haven?
Safe Havens are a way for you to access support and feel safe around Romford.
Local business and public places like libraries, cafes, and shops can sign up to the scheme.
Safe Havens are willing to help people who may become distressed or in need of help by:
- providing a friendly face and reassurance
- signposting helpful services and give directions
- providing water
- charging a phone
- contacting friends or relatives or calling emergency services
Safe Havens will have this image displayed.
List of registered Safe Havens in Romford Town Centre
- List coming soon
Using a Safe Haven
You can access safe havens whenever the location is open.
This will be the usual opening hours of the business which hosts the haven.
If you feel distressed, threatened, unwell, or in need of any kind of help then you can enter a Safe Haven and ask the staff for assistance.
If you are the victim of a crime then you should call 999 in an emergency or 101 if it is less urgent, Safe Haven staff can make this call if needed.
Safe Haven staff will be able to contact family or friends and provide a safe place to wait until they arrive.
If someone is threatening you then safe havens can prevent that person entering the premises keeping you safe.
However, Safe Havens are not only for emergencies. If you feel unwell and need to sit for a while or simply need directions then Safe Havens can provide that help.
They exist to ensure that everyone is able to access the town centres and shopping areas of our community and that everyone is safe while doing so.
Become a Safe Haven
Business or public places involved with the scheme place a sticker prominently in their windows so that they can easily be identified as safe havens.
If people become distressed, threatened, unwell, or simply require directions they can enter safe havens to receive support. This would involve having a member of staff to talk to them and ringing a friend or family member.
However, in some circumstances the issue will be more serious and staff in an emergency should call 999 or to report a crime that isn’t urgent call 101.
After the incident there is an expectation that staff will complete an incident log that will be collected by us.
This allows us to recognise patterns of incidents across the borough so that we can proactively tackle such challenges.
We will also provide free training.
We will supply all literature and signage, the only cost involved in joining the scheme is a small amount of staff time if someone does enter the premises seeking help.
You will require two members of staff on any shift to ensure that any individual seeking help can have someone stay with them until their emergency contact has arrived.
You will also need to explain the scheme to staff so they know how to supports someone who needs help.
If you are interested in becoming a Safe Haven, please complete the Safe Haven Expression of Interest Form.
Business safety and security
Businesses registered as Safe Havens will:
- display the logo in a visible location (window/door)
- make sure staff are trained to handle situations confidently
- have a list of support network contact details
- maintain relevant public liability insurance
- implement safety measures such as ensuring two staff members are present when someone is using the Safe Haven or alternatively, have the area covered by working CCTV
By following these guidelines, businesses can create a supportive and safe environment for individuals in need.
Safer Business Network
Read about Safe Havens, view locations on a map and watch a video about how Safe Havens work on the Safer Business Network website.
Free training from the Safer Business Network
Safer Business Network have developed a grassroots training program which aims to improve the skills, knowledge and confidence of businesses in identifying vulnerability and making appropriate interventions to support the delivery of a Safe Haven.
The Safe Haven training is completely free of charge and is a one-hour online session.
