Safe Spaces – Partnership Impact & Value
In July 2023, The Blue Door and North Lincolnshire Council launched the Safe Spaces scheme.
Overview
To make it easier for adults experiencing domestic abuse or other safeguarding concerns to seek help in trusted, everyday community settings.
Front-facing council buildings, including Community Hubs and Family Hubs, were used as pilot locations. The aim was to provide discreet, accessible spaces where people could disclose concerns, seek advice, and be supported or referred into specialist services.
Following the pilot’s success, Safe Spaces have since expanded across North Lincolnshire, embedding a culture of awareness, responsiveness, and partnership across multiple sectors.
How the Scheme Works
Safe Spaces are located in community-based venues such as libraries, leisure centres, GP surgeries, supermarkets, and voluntary sector organisations.
Professionally trained staff at each venue provide:
Confidential support and reassurance to individuals seeking help.
Information and signposting to appropriate local and national services.
Direct referral pathways into The Blue Door and other safeguarding partners.
Immediate safety planning and advice when required.
A bespoke referral pathway and clear operating procedures were co-designed by The Blue Door and North Lincolnshire Council, ensuring that every venue can respond appropriately and consistently.
Training & Workforce Development
The Blue Door developed and delivered specialist training to front-line staff within all participating Safe Spaces.
Training covered:
Understanding domestic abuse dynamics and indicators
Responding safely and empathetically to disclosures
Referral pathways into The Blue Door and wider safeguarding services
Awareness of MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) processes
To date, over 170 professionals have been trained across 22 Safe Space venues, building confidence and competence in responding to domestic abuse across community-facing roles.
The training was really helpful. I feel more confident when people come in now – I know where to signpost them and how to get specialist advice.
– Community Hub staff member
Reach & Outcomes
Since its launch, Safe Spaces have achieved measurable and meaningful outcomes:
6 pilot venues
Initial Safe Spaces
22 venues across North Lincolnshire
Current Safe Spaces (2024)
174 staff across multiple sectors
Staff trained
60 direct referrals
Referrals made through Safe Spaces (Year 1)
Significant rise year-on-year
Increase in self-referrals to The Blue Door
Referrals from Safe Spaces have led to ongoing engagement and support in the following areas:
Safety planning and crisis intervention
Emotional and psychological support
Housing, benefits, and financial advice
Legal guidance and protective measures
Access to The Blue Door’s full range of services
I noticed the posters in the window – what a good idea. It makes sense that victims can seek help from everyday places like these community hubs where it won’t raise suspicions.
– Service user feedback
System-Wide Benefits
The Safe Spaces model adds clear value across the wider safeguarding system by:
Embedding early intervention and accessibility within community settings.
Reducing barriers to help-seeking for individuals who may fear formal services.
Strengthening local partnerships between statutory and voluntary sectors.
Enhancing workforce capability across non-specialist agencies.
Contributing to strategic priorities in domestic abuse prevention and community safety.
The Blue Door’s leadership in this initiative demonstrates how specialist expertise can amplify the reach and effectiveness of multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.
Next Steps
Building on the pilot’s success, the next phase of the Safe Spaces programme aims to:
Expand to new sectors
including healthcare, housing providers, and retail
Integrate digital access
through QR codes and local online directories.
Evaluate outcomes
through ongoing data collection and partnership review.
Sustain the training offer
ensuring consistent practice across all partners.
Get in Touch
Contact our team to discuss how we can help your organisation embed safe, effective responses to abuse within everyday practice.