The Ned becomes a Safe Haven – could your premises be next?
Landmark hotel and members’ club joins Our Safer City’s initiative to provide safe spaces for anyone feeling vulnerable.
In the City of London, the Safe Haven scheme is a vital part of the Our Safer City initiative, offering support to people whenever they feel vulnerable. Participating premises – from cafés and shops to offices and community venues – provide a safe and welcoming space where someone can pause, ask for help, or even recharge their phone.
The Ned joins the Safe Haven network
The latest addition to the Safe Havens in the City of London is The Ned. Situated next to Bank Junction in the former Midland Bank headquarters, The Ned has ten restaurants and bars, 250 hotel bedrooms, and a private members’ club and welcomes thousands of people through its doors every day.
Paul Gorry, Head of Security at The Ned, explained why the venue wanted to take part in this community initiative:
“High-profile incidents involving crimes against women in public spaces that have taken place in the UK over the last few years were deeply concerning and it highlights how we as a society can do more to prevent these crimes from occurring in the future. At The Ned we have a social responsibility towards our staff and guests/members, as well as members of the public, so from that perspective it made sense to take steps in involving The Ned in committing further to public safeguarding.”
Paul also shared why the scheme is important to him personally:
“It really resonates with me on both a professional and a personal level. We have a large volume of people that use this iconic venue to work, visit or stay in, and safety is at the top of our priorities here at The Ned. Additionally, being a husband, brother and a father, there are a lot of very important women in my life and I feel that I have a highly vested interest in protecting women against predatorial behaviour.”
Getting involved is simple
For a venue to become a Safe Haven, staff complete a short training session that equips them to offer reassurance and basic assistance. Once registered, the premises are listed on the Safe Haven app, making them easy for anyone in need of support to find.
Paul explained the inspiration behind The Ned’s decision to join: “I was fortunate enough to have attended an Expo last year where I was inspired by the great work that some exceptional people in Don Randall MBE, Chief Inspector Caroline Hay MBE, Ayesha Fordham from Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse, and Sarah Walker from Women’s Night Safety Charter are doing regarding public safety.
“One of the key takeaways was the Safe Haven initiative and how fast it is growing. I knew this was something that I had to support. I then engaged with Lily Prior and Eren Bessim from Safer Business Network in arranging lots of internal training to get our team aligned, and once we were in the position to become a Safe Haven, we took the next step and went through the application process, and I’m thrilled that we are now part of this amazing initiative.”
A welcome addition in the heart of the City
Don Randall MBE, Chairman of the City of London Crime Prevention Association and the Our Safer City initiative, welcomed the news: “We are delighted that The Ned has become a Safe Haven. This iconic venue in such a central location will make a real difference to the feeling of wellbeing in this part of the City of London.”
Don also encouraged other premises to get involved: “If you run a shop, café, office, or community space in the City of London, joining the Safe Haven scheme is quick, simple. Your team will receive brief training and your premises will appear on the Safe Haven app, helping people know where to turn if they need reassurance or support.”
Find out more
To register your premises and help make the City of London a safer, more welcoming place for everyone, visit oursafercity.co.uk or email safehaven@oursafercity.co.uk.
Registration for the Safe Haven app is free – You can download from Google Play for Android devices and the App Store for Apple devices.
