Why did you start Strut Safe?
Strut Safe was started in March of 2021 to address a rise in high-profile instances of street violence, police violence, and police suppression. We were initially set up as an in-person volunteer service in Edinburgh, but within our first few months, we started taking calls from all over the UK. We’ve been a phone-only service for a while now, and we hope to provide a friendly ear for anyone who feels unsafe while they’re out and about.
Who can call Strut Safe?
Anyone can feel unsafe while out alone, and anyone can call. Calls to Strut Safe can be made from anywhere in the UK and are usually free with standard mobile contracts. If your contract doesn’t have inclusive minutes, calls will be at the standard rate for 03 numbers.
How many calls do you get?
Last year, Strut Safe took 770 calls over 150 nights, from 140 different locations.
What can you talk to the phone operator about?
Our volunteers are always up for a natter! While our volunteers are trained in safeguarding, we are not able to connect callers directly to emergency services. If you are calling about something our volunteers aren’t equipped to help you with, we are able to point you in the direction of a service that can help you better.
Who can volunteer?
We recruit volunteers from all over the UK, and new volunteers undergo a thorough interview and training process. Keep an eye on our social media if you are interested in volunteering in the future!
Are there other support lines that offer a similar service?
There are many organisations that offer different or more targeted services. The resources page on our website lists them by area of interest, including survivors of sexual assault, Black and racially minoritised callers, callers from the LGBTQIA+ communities, and youth, among others.
What’s next for Strut Safe?
In the coming months, we are hoping to train a new cohort of volunteers and (in our wildest dreams) expand the hours of the support line to more days of the week. The biggest things you can do to help us reach that goal are to share our number and to donate if you can!
Walking home alone? Call Strut Safe.
0333 335 0026
Friday & Saturdays: 19:00-03:00
Sundays: 19:00-01:00
Want to help? Make a donation here https://strutsafe.org/#donate
Love to chat? Volunteer here https://strutsafe.org/#volunteer
Find out more about resources here https://strutsafe.org/#resources
Follow @strutsafe
