Residents, local businesses, community organisations and partners came together for the Wednesbury Safer Streets Walkabout, a community initiative promoting safety, partnership and pride in the town.
Around 40 adults, young people and children took part in a one-hour walk through Wednesbury town centre.
Funded by the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership and delivered by local charity Breakthru and Youth Club – Uplifted Minds, the event raised awareness of the town’s CCTV network, Safe Spaces and local support services, while also showcasing the recent improvements made through the Levelling Up Fund.
Participants followed a specially designed map, collecting stamps at seven locations before finishing at Tracey’s Juice Bar, where they received a Safe Key Chain Set containing personal safety devices. Refreshments and a buffet gave everyone the opportunity to meet local organisations and continue conversations about community safety.
The walk was supported by representatives from the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership, Black Country Women’s Aid, Beyond Blue Counselling Services, The Aman Group, Boys’ Brigade, Iceland, Morrisons, Heron Foods, The William Archer, Wednesbury Library, Wednesbury Bus Station, local councillors and other community partners, highlighting the shared commitment to making Wednesbury a safer place for everyone.
Participants said they felt more confident visiting Wednesbury in the evening after learning where Safe Spaces and CCTV are located. Many also said they would feel less fearful about visiting the town after dark and asked for the walks to become a regular monthly, or even weekly, community event.
Built around the message “Real Change. Real Talk. A Community Walk,” the initiative demonstrated how partnership working can improve public confidence, strengthen community connections and encourage more people to enjoy Wednesbury town centre.
