New public safety app that will ‘change the way we navigate the city’ launches this September

As the days shorten and the city’s nightlife comes alive, a new dawn is breaking for safety in Manchester.

On September 4th, a groundbreaking safety app, WalkSafe, will go live, promising to change the way we navigate our city.

Walksafe App

This free-to-download tool, designed to empower residents and visitors alike, is set to become an essential companion for anyone walking the streets, no matter the time of day or night.

Manchester City Council has taken a bold step forward in ensuring that every corner of our city is safe, especially for women.

WalkSafe is a timely addition to the council’s ongoing efforts, building on the strides made by initiatives such as the Women’s Night-time Safety Charter.

The app is more than just a piece of technology; it is a lifeline, providing peace of mind to thousands as they go about their daily lives.

You can find out more about the Women’s Night-time Safety Charter by clicking here

Safety at your fingertips

The WalkSafe app offers features that make personal safety accessible and intuitive.

With just a few taps, users can choose known safe routes, share their location with trusted contacts, and set up automatic alerts that notify friends or family if they fail to arrive at their destination.

Whether you’re a student navigating the city’s busy university corridors, a commuter heading home after work, or a night owl enjoying Manchester’s vibrant nightlife, WalkSafe aims to ensure you always have a safety net.

The app’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time.

In recent years, high-profile tragedies such as the murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa have intensified the national conversation about safety in public spaces.

In response, Manchester City Council has been proactive in its approach to making the city safer, particularly after dark.

The launch of WalkSafe is the latest in a series of measures aimed at creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can feel secure.

A city’s commitment to safety

Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, reflected on the city’s ongoing commitment: “The response to our Night-time Safety Charter was incredibly gratifying.

“Businesses across the sector rallied behind us to make Manchester a safer city. Since its launch, we’ve trained hundreds of staff and provided resources to ensure venues know how to react when someone is at risk.

“The arrival of WalkSafe to Manchester is a huge development that will strengthen the work we are doing around safety.”

The Night-time Safety Charter, launched in 2022, offers free training and guidance to venues across the city, focusing on practical measures to protect patrons, particularly women.

Now, with WalkSafe, the city is extending that protection beyond the walls of its clubs, bars, and restaurants, making sure that safety is a priority wherever people go.

The woman behind the app

WalkSafe’s creation is a deeply personal mission for its co-founder, Emma Kay.

As the daughter of a Metropolitan Police officer, Emma grew up with a keen awareness of the importance of safety.

Despite the precautions she took, she experienced the all-too-common harassment that many women face, including catcalling, following, and groping.

These experiences, combined with her volunteer work at a community center for people in crisis, drove Emma to find a solution.

She saw firsthand how deeply the fear of the streets at night affects women and knew something had to change.

Her career in childcare reinforced the importance of early education on consent and gender bias, but Emma believed that technology could also play a role in safeguarding lives.

“WalkSafe is the app that shouldn’t have to exist,” Emma explained.

“But until our streets are completely safe, it’s an essential ally.

“Everyone deserves to enjoy their lives and go where they want, when they want, without fear. Manchester City Council shares this vision, and partnering with them is a privilege.”

A safer future for Manchester

As the app launches, Manchester City Council plans to work closely with its partners across the city, including the vibrant nighttime economy, event organisers, and the universities.

Together, they will ensure that everyone has access to the tools and knowledge they need to stay safe.

The message is clear: safety is a shared responsibility, and Manchester is committed to leading the way.