SAFE CIRCLE
IS BASILDON PRIDE’s SAFE SPACE INITIATIVE
The safe space initiative is a new partnership between Basildon Pride & Essex Police, designed to improve safety, confidence, and reporting for the LGBTQ+ community.
Feeling safe is about being respected and believed, without having to explain or defend your identity. Inclusive language, respect, and a willing attitude make a real difference.
WHAT IS A SAFE SPACE?
A safe space is a calm, non-judgemental place someone can go if they feel unsafe, distressed, or have experienced harm. It may also just be a space where someone can go to feel they are heard, and that they belong.
It’s not about replacing emergency services or providing counselling, it’s about listening, reassurance, and signposting support.
Business and organisations can join the safe space network by:
Completing safe space training
Agreeing to offer temporary, supportive assistance
Displaying the safe space badge as a visible commitment
Knowing how to signpost to police or local support services when needed
HOW DO SAFE SPACES WORK?
Safe spaces work because of shared responsibility - small actions, taken consistently, help reduce harm and make. our communities safer.
WHY SHOULD I BECOME A SAFE SPACE?
Becoming a safe space shows active allyship, builds trust within the community, as well as those who visit Basildon, and makes your business approachable and welcoming for everyone.
If you are a business, organisation, shop, pub, restaurant, market stall, trader etc in the Basildon Borough and would like to commit to creating a space where LGBTQ+ people feel:
· Seen - by respecting names, pronouns, and identities
· Safe - from harassment, discrimination, and assumptions
· Heard - through active listening and care
· Supported - with clear boundaries and accountability
Please contact Maxine Newell Email: maxine.newell@basildonpride.co.uk
SAFE SPACE PLEDGE
LGBTQ SAFE SPACES IN BASILDON BOROUGH
Towngate Theatre Martin's Square, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DL. Thomas.Mason@basildon.gov.uk
Beehive & The Loft Basildon Southernhay, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DQ beehive.basildon@stonegategroup.co.uk
HAPPY Hub Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon, Essex Business@motivated-minds.co.uk
Basildon Council Martin's Square, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DL. Olivia.Dourado@basildon.gov.uk
Venus by A&G Essentials Eastgate Shopping Centre Unit 60a First floor Basildon, SS14 1AG customerservice@agessentials.co.uk
Wickford and Runwell Parish St Andrew's Church 11 London Road Wickford Essex SS12 0AN wrightnik@outlook.com
Independent Advisory Group smithrenwick24@yahoo.com
Signpost Basildon Eastgate Shopping Centre Unit 48, 86 Southernhay Basildon, Essex SS14 1AE spb@sign-post.info
The video below explores the definition of what LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces are.
Hate crime continues to rise in the Basildon Borough and has a greater and longer-lasting impact on victims than any other crime, and LGBTQ+ victims are still less likely to report due to fear, stigma, or not knowing where or how to turn for help.
STOP HATE CRIME
please find information for reporting hate crime AND creating a safe space THROUGH THE LINK BELOW:
