Safety in the community
We know you might be new around here and there’s plenty to see and do.
If you need support of any kind along the way, there’s plenty of people right here in our community and across Leeds who are happy to help.
Keeping safe in the local community
Safe Places is a national network of safe spaces in shops and public buildings you can go to if you’re feeling worried or unsafe. The Safe Places National Network puts together all the Safe Place (and Keep Safe) schemes in one place. They also have mobile apps you can download.
West Yorkshire Police provide a West Yorkshire Community Alert which helps people keep in touch with local police updates. It’s free and you can choose to receive news and appeals, local crime information and/or prevention advice direct via email, text or voice message.
The student safety scheme is run by Leeds University Union (LUU). It is a partnership with Amber Cars, a local taxi firm who will take you home, even if you don’t have any money, or your phone is out of charge or lost.
If you need to report a crime:
- Call 999 in an emergency
- Find out how “Silent” 999 calls are handled — when you can’t speak and press 55.
- Call 101 for non emergency situations (in some areas of the UK — Leeds is one). You can also report crime online.
- Contact Leeds City Council, with information on reporting antisocial behaviour, noise nuisance, domestic violence, hate crime or more.
Keeping safe on nights out
Nights out are usually fun, memorable experiences, and give us a chance to unwind and spend time with friends. Here are some links to help plan your night and make sure it goes smoothly and everyone is safe.
Planning a night out might seem unnecessary, but knowing how you’re getting home, and keeping an eye on drinks is really important.
Here’s 7 tips for a safe night out . Yes, it’s written for Christmas, but the message is the same whenever.
Don’t forget:
- Take your phone charging cable with you — pubs, bars and restaurants may be able to charge your phone in an emergency, and some phone boxes and illuminated advertising screens have phone charging ports — alternatively get a battery pack — a decent one is about ten pounds.
- If you feel unsafe in a bar, pub or club — Ask for Angela. The staff will know you are very concerned and help you. This is a scheme that is available in most places in Leeds. Please visit this webpage for more information and a map of participating venues in Leeds.
- Keep your friends updated on where you are. You may want to install an app like Find my Friends (Apple | Android). There’s lots of different ones available. You can also share your live location on WhatsApp or use Google Maps location sharing on other platforms.
- If you’re feeling pressured to take drugs, or want to find out more about different drugs, then Talk to Frank offers non judgemental help and information.
Harassment and Misconduct
Violence, abuse, bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, and discrimination are never okay.
If it happens to you or someone you know, the Harassment and Misconduct team can help however you feel most comfortable, whether you want to get support, report something anonymously, or just chat to someone.
