Find places where you can feel welcome, included, and supported — wherever you are.
Safe Spaces in Bedfordshire
The Higgins Museum
The Higgins Gallery, where you can hang out, get warm, connect with others, or just be. This spot is safe, inclusive, and completely open to all — you’re always welcome.
SHOUT Youth Club
A safe and supportive youth club run by Bedford Borough Council specifically for young people in care, fostering, or on child protection plans. It’s a place where you can have fun, find your voice, and make a real impact by sharing your experiences.
Q:AllIANCE – Q:youth Bedford
A warm, inclusive youth group especially for LGBTQ+ young people and allies aged 13–19. It’s a space to be yourself, connect with others, talk about what matters, and just hang out in a supportive environment where everyone respects who you are.
Tips for Staying Safe!
Bystander Intervention Basics
Empowering you to safely support others!
SAFE techniques:
- S – See what’s happening (don’t ignore it).
- A – Assess your safety — never put yourself at risk.
- F – Find help — staff, adults, or call 999 if needed.
- E – Engage if safe, e.g.,
- “Hey, do you want to come stand with me?
- Creating a distraction: “Excuse me, is this the right bus stop?”
Examples
If you see someone being harassed in a shopping centre, go get a security guard.
If a friend is being pressured at a youth club, walk over and say you need to speak to them privately.
The 'Ask for Angela' scheme
When should you use it?
When you’re out socialising (e.g., in a bar, restaurant, café) and you start to feel unsafe or uncomfortable, you can discreetly “ask for Angela".
What happens when you ask?
The staff will understand that you need help — they might: call you a taxi, escort you to a different room, or help you safely leave.
If you’re unsure, you can ask a staff member: “Do you take part in the Ask for Angela scheme?”
The Ask for Angela website has resources for both customers and venues. You could also suggest to your local venues to sign up.
How to Ask For Help
Asking for help is a strength — and there are many ways to do it.
In person? “I’m not feeling comfortable — can you help me?”
In a shop/café? Ask to stay inside until someone can collect you.
Online? Use site chat tools like Mind BLMK, or Childline.
At school? Approach a safeguarding lead or trusted teacher.
In an emergency? Call 999 immediately.
Not urgent, but need advice? Call 101 (Bedfordshire Police).
Online Safety
Help you stay confident and safe while connecting online.
Protect your info! Never share your full name, school, address or live location on social media.
Example: If someone online asks what bus route you take home from your school/ college — don’t share it!
Check before you trust! Fake accounts can look real.
Example: If a stranger messages saying they’re from Bedford Uni offering a job, ask an adult or teacher before responding.
Block + report! Blocking is not rude — it’s safe. All platforms have 'report' tools.
Talk to someone! If anything makes you uncomfortable, speak to a trusted adult or message services like Mind BLMK or Childline.
Travel and Night Safety
Supporting you to feel confident and secure wherever you go.
Stay aware! Keep an eye on what’s happening around you—maybe turn your music down a little when walking at night.
Choose transport you trust! Hop on familiar bus routes or grab a lift from someone you know.
• Stick to lively areas: Busy streets and places with people around usually feel safer and more relaxed.
Keep your phone happy! Make sure it’s charged before you head out (portable chargers are lifesavers!).
Let someone know you’re on the move! Share your location or just send a quick “on my way” message.
Ask for Angela - In participating venues, you can ask staff for help discreetly if you feel unsafe.
What To Do if you Feel Unsafe
Not feeling safe? No worries — here’s what you can do next.
Practical steps
Move to a safer place — a shop, library, petrol station, or any public space.
Call someone you trust — parent, carer, friend, youth worker..
Record details if something happened — it helps if you report it.
Report concerns to police, the venue, or a trusted adult.
Examples
Feeling followed while walking home in Bedford? Head into a supermarket or fast-food place and call someone.
Uncomfortable on a bus in your local area? Move closer to the driver or another group of passengers.