Local, interesting and relevant

Today, West Lancashire Task Force & Skelmersdale CBM's have attended Tawd Valley Parkrun to engage with runners and walkers and raise awareness around reporting sexual harassment and unwanted attention while exercising outdoors.
 

This event formed part of ongoing work linked to Stride Safe and feedback received through runner surveys, which identified areas around Tawd Valley and Birch Green as locations where some female runners have experienced unwanted attention, including cat calling and behaviour that impacts confidence and feelings of safety.

Stride Safe encourages women and girls to report incidents of harassment, identify locations where they feel unsafe, and help shape positive action with partners and policing. Information shared helps us better understand concerns within our communities and target engagement, patrols and prevention activity where it matters most.

It was fantastic to see such a warm and enthusiastic welcome from Parkrun participants and organisers. Officers attended in a variety of roles, taking time to speak with runners and walkers, answer questions and promote positive conversations around safety, reporting and community confidence.
 

Events like today show the value of visible policing in community spaces. By building relationships, listening to concerns and being present where people live, exercise and socialise, we can work together to make public spaces feel safer and more welcoming for everyone.

Thank you to everyone at Tawd Valley Parkrun for taking the time to speak with us and for supporting this important conversation. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️💙