Mum behind safety app backs county roll out

A woman who devised a safety app based on her own experience of unwanted attention, and an awareness of the need for greater protection after becoming a mum, says its roll out in Staffordshire gives people a vital tool.

The WalkSafe app has been introduced in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme to aid people when they are out and about in the areas at night.

The free software shares your live location with trusted people and helps plan journeys while accessing a UK-wide map of accredited safe spaces.

Its founder Emma Kay said: "WalkSafe [gives] people access to information, support and tools that can help them make safer decisions and stay connected with friends and family."

According to research by the app's developers, 81% of women said they considered their safety when travelling home from pubs, clubs and bars, while 63% said they were more likely to visit venues that had visible safety measures in place.

"Like many women, I experienced unwanted behaviour from a young age," Kay said.

"Even though I grew up with a strong awareness of personal safety through my father's policing background, those experiences still happened.

"As I learned more about the scale of violence against women and girls, I realised there was a need for practical, accessible tools that could help people feel safer and more informed."

The app has been rolled out in partnership with Staffordshire Police, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

The rollout has meant WalkSafe's national safety map has grown further, with the app now live in more than 35 towns and cities across the UK.

As well as sharing a live location, users can set arrival-time check-ins through HomeSafe or activate the SOS feature to instantly alert trusted contacts.

Kay said the idea for WalkSafe came in 2021, shortly after she became a mum.

"It made me think differently about safety, prevention and the world we want future generations to grow up in," she explained.

Duncan Walker, cabinet member for safe and resilient communities at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Everyone deserves to feel safe when they are out and about - especially women, who feel they have to take steps to ensure their safety when heading home at night."

He dded: "The rollout of the WalkSafe app is a really positive step that gives people simple, practical tools to help them feel more confident and supported when travelling across our city.

"This is a great example of partners working together to improve safety across Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme."

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