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How to access Safe Spaces in pharmacies and banks in 4 steps
Safe Spaces are open in pharmacies and banks across the UK for people experiencing domestic abuse
Domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race or religion. Domestic abuse isn’t always physical. It can include emotional abuse, sexual abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour and more.
What are the signs of domestic abuse?
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, support is available. However, we know it isn’t always possible to call a helpline or speak to your loved ones when you’re at home with your partner.
UK SAYS NO MORE has 6,000 Safe Spaces in pharmacies and banks across the UK, where anyone can go to call helpline, support service, or to phone a friend. You can also use Safe Spaces just to have some space to think about your next steps.
How do I access a domestic abuse safe space?
Find your nearest safe space
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse and would like to go somewhere private to call a helpline, support service or friend, Safe Spaces are available. You can find the nearest safe space to you using our Safe Spaces finder tool.
Use the Safe Spaces finder tool
Safe Spaces are open in Boots, Morrisons, Superdrug and Well pharmacies and in many independent pharmacies across the country. Safe Spaces are also open in all TSB bank branches.
Ask at the counter to use a safe space
When you get to your nearest participating pharmacy or bank, ask at the counter to use the safe space. Staff have been trained on Safe Spaces, and will know how to assist you. You will not need to answer questions about what is happening at home.
Staff will show you to a private, quiet room in the pharmacy or bank.
If you need to speak urgently to the police, head to the counter and ‘Ask For ANI’. The staff will then be able to help you call the police if you would like them to.
Once inside the safe space
When inside the safe space, you will be given privacy to call a helpline, friend or just to sit and think.
All Safe Spaces have posters inside them with contact details for national domestic abuse helplines.
Information on the Bright Sky app will also be displayed. The app provides information on the nearest domestic abuse support services to you, as well as other information and resources. Please only download the app if it is safe to do so.
There is no time limit on using a safe space and you can use them to make whatever calls you need to.
After you’ve used a safe space
When you have finished using the safe space, you can just leave the pharmacy or bank. You can return to the safe space whenever you need to – there is no limit on how many times you can use a safe space.
Remember, you are not alone. Support is available.
You can contact the 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
If you are in immediate danger, always phone 999.
You can also access domestic abuse support and information online using Online Safe Spaces. Click on the Safe Spaces logo on websites including Thames Water, Royal Mail, Post Office and Network Rail to access the online safe space, which won’t show up in your browsing history.
Find out more about Safe Spaces now
