Women's Street Watch Newcastle, a community group of volunteers that has been operating in the city centre for almost five years, is applying for funding from Newcastle City Council to become a permanent fixture. The group, founded after the murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa, provides support to vulnerable women and men on the Bigg Market every Friday and Saturday night.
Funding Application to Newcastle Fund
The group has applied to the Newcastle Fund, administered by the council, to employ two permanent staff members: a manager on a 15-hour weekly contract and a team leader on an eight-hour contract. Co-founder Charlie, 34, said: "We're five years old in November and we're still 100% run by volunteers. Nobody at all is paid, not even expenses. So we're ready to try to find funding."
Currently, the group operates with a marquee and a van on the Bigg Market, carrying first aid kits, water, flip flops, and snacks. However, due to reliance on volunteers, they have struggled to maintain consistent weekend coverage. Charlie added: "We haven't been out on Friday and Saturday for the last few months. Once we get funding then we'll be able to go out every weekend."
Volunteer Recruitment and Operations
Women's Street Watch has registered 157 volunteers and now asks for one shift per month, a new approach to ensure coverage. The group operates in shifts of four and has built strong ties with local police. Charlie noted: "At least half of the police officers on a shift on the Bigg Market are lasses and that's changed. We now work much closer with the police than we ever have."
The group's work includes reuniting friends, signposting services, and providing essentials like flip flops and tampons. They also handle injuries and mental health crises. Charlie said: "We're seeing an increase in older gents with mental health problems. We've helped with voluntary admission to hospital during a mental health crisis." Other incidents include a miscarriage and a cardiac arrest.
Changing Attitudes Among Younger Men
Charlie observed that younger men, particularly those under 23, are more respectful. She said: "We have almost no problems with men under the age of 23. It's always men in their 30s and 40s. Younger men are more respectful of boundaries." She recounted an incident where a young man intervened when she faced abuse: "A younger man stood in between and moved him along." The group also helps teenagers with fake IDs, contacting parents to ensure safe returns.
Global Influence and Future Plans
Women's Street Watch has inspired similar groups worldwide. Charlie said: "We have been contacted from all over the world by people who have copied what Women's Street Watch is doing." The group remains committed to its mission: "For us women, street safety is a very important issue - until we are free to walk home safely at night. So for us continuing isn't an option, it's an essential."
