Safe Havens

Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a key priority for Richmond Council. We are committed to ensuring that Richmond is a safe borough, where every effort is made to prevent and respond to VAWG and to support victim-survivors.

About Safe Havens

Safe Havens provide a place of temporary safety for anyone who needs it. They are a practical way for businesses to let people know that a form of support is easily available if they need help.

Premises such as shops, cafes, pubs, libraries and other businesses can register to become a recognised Safe Haven site. 

The Safe Haven scheme has been developed by the Safer Business Network which supports businesses across the UK to tackle crime, violence and antisocial behaviour.

Look out for local businesses with a Safe Haven sticker in their windows:

When a Safe Haven can help

Someone may need to access a Safe Haven if they are feeling intimidated, being harassed, feeling unwell or are just in need of some help.

The person may:

• Have lost or had their phone or other belongings stolen
• Be intoxicated or had their drink spiked
• Be injured and in need of assistance

Staff at a registered Safe Haven can:

• Call a friend or other trusted person
• Offer a drink of water and use of venue toilets
• Offer use of the venue’s phone, internet or phone charging facilities
• Direct the individual to support services
• Offer to call a taxi or advise on safe onward travel
• Call emergency services, where necessary, for example if a crime has been committed or if someone is injured

Find a Safe Haven

The following locations are approved Safe Havens in the borough.

Alma Café

• Address: 2-3 Rocks Lane, SW13 0DB
• Telephone: 020 8392 9135
• Website: Alma Café – The freshest Brunch & Lunch in London
• Opening hours:
  • Monday to Sunday: 8am to 5pm

The Bridge Pub

• Address: 204 Castlenau, SW13 9DW
• Telephone: 0208 563 9811
• Email: bridgeinbarnes@youngs.co.uk
• Opening hours:
  • Monday to Thursday: 12 noon to 11pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 12 noon to midnight
  • Sunday: 12 noon to 11pm

Castlenau Library

• Address: 75 Castelnau, London SW13 9RT
• Telephone: 020 8734 3350
• Website: Castelnau Library
• Opening hours:
  • Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 9.30am to 6pm 
  • Wednesday: 10am to 7pm 
  • Thursday and Sunday: Closed 
  • Saturday: 9.30am to 4pm

Chesterton’s Estate Agents

• Address: 68-69 Barnes High Street, SW13 9LD
• Website: Estate Agents Barnes | Chestertons
• Opening hours:
  • Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 6pm
  • Saturday: 10am to 4pm
  • Sunday: Closed

Medivet Barnes

• Address: 76 Church Road, SW13 0DQ
• Telephone: 020 8748 2406
• Email: barnes@medivet.co.uk
• Opening hours:
  • Monday to Friday: 8am to 7pm
  • Saturday: 9am to 7pm
  • Sunday: Closed

Oso Arts Centre

• Address: Old Sorting Office, 49 Station Road, SW13 0LF
• Telephone: 020 8876 9885
• Website: OSO Arts Centre
• Opening hours:
  • Monday to Thursday: 9am to 6pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 9am to 6pm, 6.30pm to 9pm 
  • Sunday: 10am to 4pm

The Sun Inn

• Address: 7 Church Road, SW13 9HE
• Telephone: 020 8876 5256
• Website: The Sun Inn Pub & Restaurant
• Opening hours:
  • Monday to Sunday: 10am to 11pm

Become a Safe Haven

Our Community Safety team are working with local businesses to establish Safe Havens across Richmond, to provide a place of temporary safety for anyone who needs it.

If you are a business interested in joining the scheme, see our Safe Haven guidance for businesses.

Contact

For further information or queries about Safe Havens, email communitysafety@richmond.gov.uk and mark the email ‘Safe Havens: for attention of VAWG Community Safety Officer’.