Not all superheroes wear capes…Some of them just pick up the phone!

The high profile cases of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa have brought attention to the safety of women walking home at night. Edinburgh-based charity, Strut Safe, have reacted to this crisis, answering calls so that nobody has to feel unsafe walking home. 

The helpline was founded by Alice Jackson and Rachel Chung in April 2021 following their attendance at a vigil for Sarah Everard. Jackson claims that they were “devastated and angry” and knew that something had to be done to keep women safe. 

Contact details were posted in community groups, as well as relying on word of mouth to populate the number. The charity is run by a group of volunteers who answer calls throughout the weekend, proving a confidential listening service. 

Volunteers are interviewed, background checked, and receive training to ensure that the people answering calls are equipped to deal with vulnerable individuals who are often in distress. 

The founders have stated that the number of calls they receive varies, with numbers spiking in September following the death of Sabina Nessa. Following the recent murder of Ashling Murphy, the helpline expects another surge in calls. 

The founders admit that it’s not a perfect solution, “but something exists now that didn't exist before, we are here for anyone who needs us and more change will hopefully come." 

The helpline is there for everyone; femininity extends beyond women who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) and trans-women, non binary, and gender non-confirming individuals should never be forgotten about when tackling issues surrounding women’s safety. 

Strut Safe's free helpline 0333 335 0026 operates from 7pm-3am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7pm-1am on Sundays