Key Points:
- Havering Police and Havering Council are hosting a Safe Haven Scheme drop-in session on Wednesday, 23 April.
- The event takes place at Harold Hill Library from 1pm to 3pm.
- Businesses across Harold Hill are encouraged to attend and register as official Safe Havens.
- The scheme was prompted by community concerns about safety in the area.
- Chief Inspector Charlie Routley and community champion Jan Sargent support the initiative.
- The programme aligns with the “Our Harold Hill – Clear Hold Build” initiative.
- Safe Havens provide support for those feeling unsafe, distressed or unwell.
Businesses in Harold Hill are being invited to join a new safety initiative as Havering Police and Havering Council team up for a drop-in session aimed at expanding the Safe Haven Scheme. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, 23 April, will be held at Harold Hill Library between 1pm and 3pm.
What is the Safe Haven Scheme?
The Safe Haven Scheme allows local businesses—such as shops, cafés, pubs, libraries, and public-facing premises—to offer a point of support to anyone in need. This might include individuals feeling unsafe, experiencing distress, feeling unwell, or simply in need of guidance and assistance.
Businesses registered as Safe Havens will display visible signage indicating their participation, assuring community members that help is available.
Why was the initiative introduced?
Concerns have been rising in Harold Hill over recent weeks due to several incidents that have made residents feel unsafe. Community champion Jan Sargent raised these issues on the Harold Hill Unleashed Facebook page, which spurred local police officers into action.
In response, officers collaborated with Havering Council to launch the Safe Haven Scheme in Harold Hill. The goal is to establish easily accessible places throughout the community where people can seek immediate assistance.
Chief Inspector Charlie Routley explained the reasoning behind the scheme:
“The Safe Haven scheme is something that we are working on setting up with Havering Council and the community of Harold Hill. It will mean there are places where people can go when they feel distressed, unsafe or just in need of help and assistance.”
He emphasised that the scheme goes beyond crime prevention:
“This is not all about crime either. There may be occasions when someone needs assistance, feels unwell or signposting on. It is a way to enable the community to support each other.”
Who is supporting the scheme?
The initiative is being supported by both police and council teams, as well as local residents. Jan Sargent praised the collaboration:
“Harold Hill has a very strong community, and I have no doubt that the scheme will have a positive impact.”
She extended her gratitude to Inspector Charlie Routley, Havering Council, and the Heaton and Gooshays Safer Neighbourhood Policing Teams for their backing.
The scheme also forms part of the wider “Our Harold Hill – Clear Hold Build” initiative, which aims to enhance safety and cohesion across the area.
How can businesses get involved?
The drop-in session offers a chance for business owners to speak directly with police officers and council representatives, ask questions, and register their interest in becoming a Safe Haven.
