Personal Safety Application Launched to Enhance Evening Travel Security

A personal safety application has been introduced with the objective of assisting individuals, particularly women and girls, in returning home securely during the busy holiday season. WalkSafe functions by providing a directory of certified safe locations, including establishments like bars and restaurants, and by enabling users to plan and share their route home with friends and family. An SOS button is also incorporated, which can be activated if the user perceives a threat. The initiative has received endorsement from Cumbria Police, Cumberland Council, and the University of Cumbria. Police reported that a survey they carried out last year, involving 2,000 women and girls, revealed that 88% experienced feelings of unsafety during nighttime hours. Detective Inspector Mike Taylor stated that the application’s goal is to “try to make people feel that little bit safer”. Mr Taylor further commented: “Clearly there’s an issue that women and girls do feel unsafe so therefore it’s incumbent on us to increase the feeling of safety.” Students attending the University of Cumbria will be prompted to download the app upon their arrival in the county. Rachel O’Donovan of the Students Union affirmed: “We’ll be making sure it’s a prominent part of our welcome week package.”