Swindon Borough Council has introduced the UMAY personal safety app following feedback from its annual resident survey, which showed many people feel unsafe in public spaces during the evening and night.
Improving perceptions of safety is a priority for the Swindon Community Safety Partnership and forms part of a wider community safety strategy approved by the council’s cabinet last year.
The UMAY app allows users to plan journeys and routes, view interactive maps showing nearby safe spaces and access trained volunteers for reassurance, support and advice.
Users can also share their live location with trusted contacts, access general safety guidance and anonymously report locations where they feel unsafe. These reports will be used by the council and its partners to help identify and review safety hotspots across Swindon.
Swindon is one of only two local authorities in the UK currently using the app, alongside Wigan Council.
Alongside the app’s launch, 20 physical safe places have already been identified across the borough. These include libraries, leisure centres and pubs where people can seek help without any expectation to make a purchase.
The council is encouraging more organisations to join the scheme, with training available for businesses that sign up as designated safe spaces.
Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said:
“Everyone has the right to feel safe, especially when enjoying a night out or travelling around Swindon.
“This app gives residents practical tools to help them feel more secure, but its success relies on the support of our local businesses.”
He added:
“By becoming a safe place, businesses can make a real difference in their community, offering reassurance and support to anyone who needs it.”
Local businesses have already begun joining the scheme, including Sugar Shack Bakery.
Director Elly Vitale-Ireland said:
“We’re proud to be a UMAY safe place because everyone deserves to feel safe and supported, particularly when they’re feeling vulnerable.
“If our involvement helps even one person feel safer getting home or less alone in a difficult moment then being part of this initiative is absolutely worth it.”
The launch event was attended by the Mayor of Swindon and included contributions from UMAY founders Pauline Vanderquand and Samuel Amar.
Ms Vanderquand said:
“UMAY was born from a very real experience of feeling unsafe in public and not knowing where to turn for help.
“From the beginning, our mission has been simple, to ensure that no one is ever left alone when facing fear or gender based violence.”
She added:
“This partnership with Swindon Borough Council is both an honour and a strong signal. Swindon is a town committed to eliminating gender based violence and we are proud to support residents with a practical, reassuring tool.”
Councillor Fay Howard, Mayor of Swindon, said:
“The UMAY app is for everyone, men and women, boys and girls, and it is easy to use.
“I have downloaded it myself and would encourage residents to do the same, as well as urging businesses to sign up as safe spaces if they are able. Creating a safer Swindon depends on all of us playing a part.”
The app is available in eight languages and can be downloaded via standard app stores.
Businesses interested in becoming a designated safe space can contact the Swindon Community Safety Partnership at [email protected]
