The WalkSafe app is now live for the public to download and use in Manchester.
This free-to-download app is an initiative aimed at helping people make safe journeys no matter the time of day.
It 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.
As Manchester 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 people can travel safely.
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.
In response, Manchester City Council launched the Women’s Night-time Safety Charter in 2022, offering free training and guidance to venues across the city on how to support and promote safety.
To date, more than 400 venues 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 improve safety across the sector.
With the arrival of WalkSafe to Manchester, the Council hopes that it will help and empower even more people to feel safe no matter who they are or where they are going, day or night and promote venues and businesses who are making women’s safety a priority.
WalkSafe is the brainchild of 34-year-old Emma Kay who, as a daughter of a Metropolitan Police officer, was subject to many rules to keep her and her siblings stay safe when out and about. Despite this, she experienced catcalling, following, groping and flashing – incidents which sadly occur too often to many women across the world.
As an adult, Emma volunteered at a community centre for people in crisis and saw first-hand the experiences women had, specifically their fear of the streets at night, confirming her fear that personal safety is an issue that affects everyone.
The WalkSafe app can now be downloaded for use.
Councillor Joanna Midgley, deputy leader of Manchester City Council said: “The arrival of WalkSafe to Manchester is a huge development and one which I believe with strengthen the work we are doing around safety. 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 residents.
“In the coming months, we will be working with partners across the city, as well as within our burgeoning night time and events sector, and our universities to make sure that anyone has the tools to keep themselves safe.”
Emma Kay, co-founder of WalkSafe, said:“Like us, Manchester City Council takes the safety of everyone in the city seriously and to partner with them on such an important initiative is an absolute privilege.
“WalkSafe is now live in Manchester and is free to download. It has unique features that means everyone can feel and be safer. From tracking your friends’ journeys to seeing the safe spaces on the map, it ensures everyone gets home from a night out. The app is ideal for students, commuters, runners and just about everyone. I always say it’s the app that shouldn’t have to exist but sadly it is an essential ally to let us all enjoy our lives and go where we want, when we want.”
Pictured: Credit to MCC: (L-R) Cllr Joanna Midgley; Emma Kay, Founder of WalkSafe; David Meeney, Chief Superintendent and City of Manchester District Commander, GMP; Claire Turner, General Manager, Matt & Phreds
