Safer Streets is a Home Office grant fund which supports local authorities and police forces to tackle neighbourhood crime.

The third round of the Safer Streets funding could be used for various innovative interventions and investments to improve the safety of public places for all, with a particular focus on reducing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) crimes.

As a result of a successful joint bid made by North Somerset and Somerset Councils to the Home Office Safer Streets Fund, we were awarded £324,449 to tackle sexual harassment and violence against women and girls.

The plan sets out a two-tiered approach involving:

Changing behaviour and stop incidents occurring through:

• A targeted communications campaign challenging attitudes and behaviours.
• Webinars and training provided by Somerset & Avon Rape & Sexual Assault Service on disclosure and consent for professionals.
• Educational workshops in secondary schools
• Commissioned VAWG Research Project with UWE

Strengthening the response where these incidents are prevalent by:

• Enhancing the CCTV camera network through additional re-deployable CCTV cameras

• Implementing a safe haven scheme

If you have questions about the Safer Streets programme, you can contact the team.