🌟 Enjoying a Safe Day or Night Out in Wigan & Leigh

Working Together to Keep Everyone — Especially Women and Girls — Safe

With the weekend approaching — and with the clocks going forward this Sunday, giving us lighter evenings — it’s a great time to enjoy everything Wigan & Leigh has to offer. Whether you’re planning a daytime catch‑up or a late‑night celebration, here are some friendly reminders to help keep you and those around you safe, supported, and confident.

🧡 Standing Against Violence Towards Women & Girls (VAWG)

Across Wigan & Leigh, a huge focus is placed on creating safer public spaces for women and girls. This includes:

  Safer Streets initiatives, improving lighting and CCTV in areas identified as higher‑risk.

  Trained venue staff who know how to spot signs of vulnerability and step in early.

  Night‑Time Safety Marshals who provide a visible, reassuring presence in key locations.

  Ask for Angela in participating venues — a discreet way to get help if you feel unsafe.

  Borough‑wide campaigns encouraging active bystanders to step in safely when they see concerning behaviour.

These initiatives work best when we all play a part — by looking after ourselves, looking out for others, and knowing where help is available.

🍹 Make Choices That Work for You

There’s no pressure to drink if you don’t want to. Many bars now offer excellent low‑alcohol and alcohol‑free options that let you stay alert and enjoy your night without compromise.

👀 Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

  Never accept drinks from strangers.

  If your drink has been left unattended, get a fresh one — it’s not worth the risk.

  Keep an eye on behaviour around you. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s absolutely OK to remove yourself or speak to staff.

👭 Look After Your Friends

Staying connected is one of the best ways to stay safe.

  Check in with each other regularly.

  Leave together whenever possible.

  Make sure everyone has a safe plan for getting home.

This is particularly important for women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by harassment and unwanted attention in public spaces.

📱 Head Out With a Charged Phone

A charged battery means access to maps, taxis, messages, and help if you need it. A small power bank can also make a big difference as the night goes on.

📍 Let Someone Know Your Plans

Share your destination, who you’re with, and how you plan to get home with someone you trust. It’s a simple but effective safeguarding step.

🚦 Choose Well‑Lit, Busy Routes

With lighter evenings arriving thanks to the clocks moving forward, we benefit from better visibility — but it’s still safest to choose busy, well‑lit routes day and night.

🎒 Keep Your Belongings Secure

Keep bags zipped and valuables out of sight. Be mindful when using your phone in crowded or unfamiliar places.

🚕 Use Safe, Licensed Transport

Whether it's a Hackney carriage, a trusted private‑hire company, or public transport, make sure your route home is safe and planned out.

🏙️ Support Available Across the Borough

Wigan & Leigh offers several safety resources to make nights out more secure:

  Safety Havens for anyone feeling distressed or needing immediate support

  Taxi Marshals and Safety Marshals in busy areas

  The Safe Places Scheme, offering reassurance and assistance at any time

  Staff in venues trained to help discreetly and professionally

If something feels wrong, these teams are there to listen and help.

🧡 Be a Positive Bystander

If you see someone — especially a woman or girl — who seems uncomfortable, isolated, or vulnerable, discreetly alert venue staff, marshals, or the police. Early intervention can prevent harm.

✋ If Trouble Starts… Walk Away

No argument or confrontation is worth it.
A single punch can change lives forever — choosing to walk away is always the safest option.