Safe Havens is Coming to Hastings
The Refugee Buddy Project has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for a new community safety project for Hastings.This initiative was sparked by last summer’s far-right riots, when women at the Refugee Buddy Project shared their fears with Councillor Julia Hilton, Leader of Hastings Council.
Refugee Buddy Project members meet with Council leader Julia Hilton (centre)
Safe Havens aims to bring small businesses and community spaces together to offer upfront, visible, real-time support to anyone facing racism, threats, or harm. It is a tried and tested approach to crime reduction first developed in London in response to gang-related deaths of young people and one that local resident and Refugee Buddy Project volunteer, Krissie Nicholson, witnessed at first hand when she volunteered with Safe Havens during her Masters degree in Community Organising in 2010.
“This way of uniting local people, the council and police around the common theme of safety reduced crime and created a greater sense of local pride and togetherness. In many cities, Safe Havens reduced crime by up to 34 percent.”
“In the present context, by looking out for the most vulnerable to abuse and attack, and when we bring people together across divides, the community as a whole can become safer, more connected and resilient as a result,” Krissie explained.
Small businesses and organisations already signed up as Safe Havens so far include Goat Ledge, Wonderfill, Dandelion Cafe, Hastings Mosque, Mamma Putts, the Dove Cafe, Bullet Cafe, Barefoot Herbs, Nazar Turkish Restaurant, RockOptika and Hiit Box Gym.
Hannah Robbins from Wonderfill, on Kings Road, commented: “I think Safe Havens gives a sign to people so that they don’t even have to ask, they can visibly see that we are a community that looks out for each other. I also think it prompts conversations about why some people feel less safe and less able to enjoy our town.”
Councillor Yunis Smith, Migrant Champion for Hastings, added: “It’s essential that we support the crowdfunder in any way we can. If you are part of any organisation, please sign up and become a Safe Haven. If not, please donate to the crowdfunder and get this great scheme off the ground.
Popular local Artist Euan Roberts is also on board and will be designing a window sticker for Safe Haven locations so people who need help can see which businesses and organisations are part of the project.
The crowdfunder runs until 11 April and aims to raise £3,000 for the initial start-up costs. Krissie had also planned to run in the Hastings half Marathon in support of the cause.
To Support the Refugee Buddy crowdfunder visit Instagram @therefugeebuddyproject
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